ASABA/Nigeria: The city of Asaba, Delta State, has come alive with electrifying performances and inspiring stories as the 9th National Youth Games (NYG) enters its final stretch, showcasing Nigeria’s next generation of sporting champions.
From the greens of the Ibori Golf Country Club to the weightlifting platforms and the roaring Stephen Keshi Stadium, young athletes from across the country have continued to make bold statements about the future of Nigerian sports.
Golf took center stage on Day Three, where Technical Director of the Nigeria Golf Federation, Mr. Olajide Bolaji, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s rising talents. “We have great potentials with our youths in the game of golf,” he said, stressing that the sport is both prestigious and medal-rich, with 24 medals on offer at this year’s Games. He cited the recent feat of a Nigerian youngster at the World School Championship in Morocco as proof that the country is ready to take its place on the global golf stage.
Bolaji commended Delta State’s hosting efforts but called for more government and private sector support. “The Government is trying, but they can do better. As a body, we want to compete with other golfers worldwide and groom our children properly. Hence, we need proper support—financially and otherwise,” he added.
The Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC) has also been upbeat about the future. Its Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, after watching a tennis event at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, lauded the athletes’ passion and discipline. “It gave me so much joy to see their energy, discipline, and passion for the game. These young talents are the future of Nigerian sports, and it is our responsibility to create the right structures and opportunities for them to thrive,” he said.
He tied the vision of the Games to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that grassroots sports investment remains key to producing global champions. “The future is bright, and Nigerian sports will continue to rise. This is where champions are made,” Olopade stressed.
The Games, running from August 26 to September 6, feature 37 sports with athletes from 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory competing fiercely for medals. Host Delta, defending champions, are leading the charge alongside Lagos, Edo, Oyo, and Bayelsa.
In weightlifting, Team Edo proved unstoppable, sweeping the women’s categories to emerge overall champions with nine gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. Favour Cornelius, Esther Amarachi Chijoke, and Beauty Akpore each grabbed triple golds to underline Edo’s dominance. Team Akwa Ibom shone in the men’s division with five gold medals, while Team Abia’s Vitalis Nnaji Chiemerie impressed with a clean sweep in the 60kg category. Nigeria Weightlifting Federation President, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Aladi, hailed the performances, promising further development for emerging lifters.
Other sports have also delivered compelling stories. Bayelsa’s Miracle Edim Eko stunned the shooting event, clinching her state’s first gold medal in the Female Pistol Individual event. “She lived up to her name in spectacular fashion,” said an excited team official.
In taekwondo, Team Nasarawa’s Emmanuel Joseph narrowly lost 9–8 to Enugu’s Temple Okwudili in the -45kg category, while his teammate Godwin Kasimu prepared for a tough bout against Lagos. Team Nasarawa has so far secured three bronze medals in karate.
Darts has thrown up fresh drama as Imo’s Grace Ebochukwu booked her place in the final of the 501 singles after defeating Rivers’ Destiny Kelechi. She will square off against Delta’s Jessica Okonkwo in what promises to be a thrilling finale.
Beyond the medals, stakeholders have called for structural reforms. Some experts argue the Games should shift to a U-17 category to serve as a proper intermediate program bridging school sports and elite competition. They insist this adjustment would align Nigeria with global best practices, ensuring a smoother transition for athletes to senior levels.
With a few days left, the National Youth Games continue to live up to their billing as a breeding ground for champions, igniting not just Asaba but the hopes of a nation eager for sporting glory.
