September 22, (THEWILL) – The Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, was alive with excitement and competition from September 9 to 19, 2024, as young athletes from across Nigeria gathered for the 8th National Youth Games. The event, which has become a cornerstone of youth sports development in the country, once again highlighted the emerging talents and the growing competitive spirit among Nigeria’s states.
Delta State, the host of this year’s games, maintained its iron grip on the top spot, winning the overall title for the eighth consecutive time since the inception of the games in 2013. The state’s athletes displayed exceptional skill across various disciplines, amassing an impressive total of 111 medals – 46 gold, 31 silver, and 34 bronze. This victory underscores Delta’s commitment to grassroots sports development and talent nurturing over the years.
Just like at the previous edition, Lagos State emerged as the first runner-up with a total of 65 medals, including 26 gold, 20 silver, and 19 bronze. Edo State rounded out the top three with 59 medals – 18 gold, 13 silver, and 28 bronze. The competition was fierce, with 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) participating and winning medals, a notable increase from the previous year when only 27 states were represented on the medal table.
One of the most talked-about moments of the games came from the boxing ring, where Team Lagos displayed outstanding dominance. In a remarkable feat, Lagos swept all four gold medals available in the boxing competition. Agboola Oyindamola claimed victory in the 40kg female category, while Bello Olamide Lawal triumphed in the 42kg male category. Yakubu Sofiat and Bolarinwa Michael completed the clean sweep with their wins in the 42kg female and 44kg male divisions, respectively.
The swimming events also provided thrilling competition, with the swimmer representing Lagos State setting a new record in the 50m freestyle. Athletics, always a major draw at the National Youth Games, produced several standout performances. David Udoh from Delta State captured gold in the 400m, demonstrating impressive timing and determination. The track and field events continued to be a source of excitement throughout the games, with young athletes pushing themselves to new limits.
Gymnastics, a sport that has historically received less attention in Nigeria, saw increased participation and improved performances. Lagos and Delta State athletes dominated this discipline, indicating growing interest in the sport at the grassroots level.
Combat sports were another area of intense competition. Bayelsa’s wrestling team performed exceptionally well, claiming several gold medals in both freestyle and Greco-Roman events. The emergence of new talents in judo, taekwondo, and karate suggests a bright future for Nigeria in martial arts, with potential athletes being groomed for continental championships and beyond.
While Delta, Lagos, and Edo dominated the medal table, other states also showed promise. Akwa Ibom performed well in team sports, reaching the finals in football and basketball. Edo and Ogun states secured gold in individual events like tennis. These achievements demonstrate that the National Youth Games provide a platform for athletes from various states to display their talents and rise through the ranks.
The impact of the National Youth Games extends far beyond the competition itself. For many of the over 4,000 participating athletes, this event serves as their first exposure to national-level competition. The experience gained is invaluable, often serving as a stepping stone towards representing Nigeria on larger international platforms, including the Olympics.
Senator John Owan Enoh, the Minister of Sports Development, emphasised the significance of the games in discovering young sporting talents. Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the closing ceremony, Senator Enoh stated, “The National Youth Games have been a valuable platform to discover young talents that will go on to represent Nigeria in various sports. Many athletes discovered in previous editions have become champions, creating opportunities for themselves and the nation.”
The minister also highlighted that the 2024 edition identified 450 talented young athletes from the different states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He commended the high level of discipline and sportsmanship displayed throughout the games, expressing optimism about the future of Nigerian sports.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, congratulated the participants and reiterated the state’s commitment to sports development. “Here in Delta State, we are committed to developing sports infrastructure, promoting sports education, and creating platforms for our youth to thrive,” he stated.
The governor called on other states to continue investing in grassroots sports to create more opportunities for the nation’s youth. This sentiment was echoed by the minister, who urged state governments to develop talent hunt plans to nurture newly discovered athletes for the future.
The National Youth Games not only promote peace and unity but also foster economic growth for the host state. The influx of athletes, officials, and spectators contributes to the local economy, while the development of sports infrastructure leaves a lasting legacy for the community.
Looking ahead, the future of Nigerian sports appears promising especially if there will the goodwill to back up the progress of these athletes with investment in facilities and optimal training and impartially supporting their growth and development at home and abroad. The National Youth Games continue to play a crucial role in identifying and nurturing talent across a wide range of sports. With sustained investment in youth sports development, coaching, and infrastructure, Nigeria can position itself to produce more world-class athletes in the coming years.
As the 8th National Youth Games concluded, it left behind not just medals and records, but also dreams and aspirations. For many young athletes, this competition was just the beginning of their sporting journey. The challenge now lies in sustaining the momentum, providing continued support and opportunities for these budding stars to reach their full potential.
The success of the 8th National Youth Games in Asaba is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to youth sports development. It highlights the importance of early talent identification, investment in grassroots sports, and the nurturing of young athletes who will carry the hopes of the nation in years to come. While Delta State’s dominance continues, the increasing competitiveness from other states promises an exciting future for Nigerian sports.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
