The Ekiti State contingent at the 2025 National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, continued their impressive medal haul, adding a coveted gold medal in male basketball to their growing collection. The championship game against Team Lagos was a nail-biting affair, with both teams displaying exceptional skill and tenacity. The final score of 19-18 underscored the closely contested nature of the match, with Ekiti demonstrating a crucial edge in the final moments to secure the victory. This triumph marks a significant achievement for the Ekiti basketball team, solidifying their position as a dominant force in youth basketball.
Coach Adetayo Awojinrin, visibly elated by the team’s performance, attributed the victory to the players’ dedication and hard work. He emphasized the challenging journey throughout the tournament, highlighting the tough competition they faced in the group stage. Overcoming these obstacles and ultimately defeating a strong Lagos team in the final speaks volumes about the resilience and determination of the Ekiti players. Awojinrin expressed confidence that this success would serve as a powerful motivator for the team, inspiring them to achieve even greater heights in future competitions.
Beyond basketball, Ekiti State athletes showcased their prowess in other sporting disciplines, further contributing to the state’s medal tally. Funbi Adedoyin secured a bronze medal in the highly competitive 48kg female Kungfu category. Head Coach Ronke Raji commended Adedoyin’s resilience and determination, acknowledging the fierce competition she faced from athletes representing other states. This bronze medal highlights the depth of talent within the Ekiti contingent and underscores their competitive spirit across various sports.
Ekiti’s para-athlete, Abdulazeez Suleiman, delivered a remarkable performance, capturing a gold medal in the Discus throw and a silver medal in Shot Put. Suleiman’s achievements exemplify the inclusive nature of the National Youth Games and demonstrate the exceptional talent and dedication of para-athletes. His double-medal win adds further luster to Ekiti State’s overall performance at the games, showcasing their commitment to nurturing talent across diverse sporting disciplines.
The outstanding performances of several Ekiti athletes also earned them recognition at the national level. Abdulazeez Suleiman, along with Precious Ayodele (Ayo Olopon) and Damilola Oni (Cricket), received invitations to the National Federation, a testament to their exceptional skills and potential. This recognition not only honors the individual athletes but also reflects positively on the quality of sports development programs in Ekiti State. It provides these athletes with a platform for further development and exposure, potentially paving the way for future national and international representation.
With a current tally of two gold, three silver, and three bronze medals, Team Ekiti has firmly established itself as a leading contender at the 2025 National Youth Games. Their strong performance across multiple sports reflects the state’s commitment to promoting youth sports and developing well-rounded athletes. The success of Team Ekiti serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes within the state and underscores the importance of investing in youth sports development. Their impressive medal count positions them as a force to be reckoned with in future competitions and highlights the bright future of sports in Ekiti State. The achievements of these young athletes not only bring pride to their state but also contribute to the overall growth and development of sports in Nigeria.
