The 9th National Youth Games, held in Asaba, Delta State, from August 29th to September 6th, 2025, concluded with a resounding call for stricter age verification measures to safeguard the integrity of the competition. Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, while commending the athletes and organizers for a successful event, emphasized the urgent need for the National Sports Commission (NSC) to address the persistent issue of age cheating, which undermines the Games’ fundamental purpose of nurturing young talent. He argued that fielding over-aged athletes not only compromises fair competition but also deprives genuinely young athletes of the opportunity to showcase their skills and potential on a national platform. The Governor’s plea resonated with the spirit of the Games, which saw the participation of 6,382 athletes and officials from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, competing across 37 sporting disciplines.
The Governor’s concerns underscored the broader importance of the National Youth Games as a vital talent pipeline for Nigerian sports. The event serves as a crucial platform for identifying and nurturing future stars who can represent the nation on the international stage. By addressing the age discrepancy issue, the Games can more effectively fulfill its mandate of developing young athletes and ensuring a sustainable future for Nigerian sports. The closing ceremony, held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, celebrated not only the medal winners but also the collective display of sportsmanship and national pride. Governor Oborevwori congratulated all participants and expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the NSC, the Local Organizing Committee, coaches, officials, and volunteers for their contributions to the Games’ success.
Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the NSC, represented by Chief Amaka Asiofu, Director of Grassroots Sports and General Coordinator of the Games, lauded the Asaba edition as an exceptional sporting experience characterized by fair play, unwavering determination, and inspiring sportsmanship. He commended Delta State’s robust sports development system and highlighted the Games’ role in providing a fresh pool of athletes to potentially replace aging national players. This sentiment reinforced the significance of the Games as a crucial link in the development pathway for Nigerian athletes, ensuring a continuous supply of talent to represent the country across various sports.
The NSC Chairman’s assurance of continued policy implementation to nurture talent and promote a sports economic ecosystem further strengthens the commitment towards leveraging sports for national development. This approach recognizes the potential of sports to contribute to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and underscores the importance of investing in sports development at the grassroots level. The National Youth Games, therefore, plays a crucial role in fostering a vibrant sports economy by providing a platform for young athletes to develop their skills and potentially pursue professional careers in sports.
Lagos State emerged as the overall winner of the 9th National Youth Games, marking a historic first for the state. Their impressive haul of 110 medals, including 52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze, placed them ahead of Delta State, who finished second with 114 medals (37 gold, 38 silver, and 39 bronze). Edo State secured the third position with 79 medals (33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze). The widespread participation and competitive spirit were evident in the fact that 33 states secured medals at the Games, reflecting a healthy level of competition and the growing popularity of sports across the country. A total of 802 medals were awarded, consisting of 246 gold, 236 silver, and 320 bronze medals.
The successful conclusion of the 9th National Youth Games, despite the concerns raised about age verification, underscores the importance of this event in the Nigerian sporting calendar. The Games not only provide a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents but also serve as a vital breeding ground for future national and international stars. The call for stricter age verification measures signifies a commitment to ensuring fairness and upholding the integrity of the competition, allowing the Games to truly fulfill its purpose of developing and nurturing young sporting talent in Nigeria. The impressive medal tally and the broad participation from across the states demonstrate the growing strength and potential of Nigerian sports, promising a bright future for the nation on the global sporting stage.
