The 9th edition of the National Youth Games concluded in Asaba on Saturday, September 6, with Lagos State emerging as the overall champions, marking a historic shift in the competition’s power dynamics.
Team Lagos secured the top position on the medals table with an impressive haul of 52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze medals, overtaking the defending champions and hosts, Delta State, who finished second with 37 gold, 38 silver, and 39 bronze medals. Edo State came in third, winning 33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze medals.
In total, 33 states featured on the medals table, collectively earning 802 medals, comprising 246 gold, 236 silver, and 320 bronze. The atmosphere at the Stephen Keshi Stadium was electric as athletes, officials, and supporters celebrated the final results. Excitement reached a peak when Team Lagos was officially declared the winner of the prestigious youth sports event.
Speaking after the results were announced, Lakan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, described the victory as a “turning point” for youth development in Nigerian sports and extended gratitude to the Lagos State Governor for his unwavering support.
During the closing ceremony, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State commended all participants and affirmed Delta’s commitment to hosting the 10th edition of the Games, in line with an existing agreement between the state and the former Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Also Read: National Youth Games Set to Begin with Over 6,300 Participants
However, the Governor also addressed concerns over age discrepancies, urging the National Sports Commission to enforce stricter regulations to safeguard the credibility of the Games.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, conveyed the President’s commendation to the organizers and assured Nigerians that the administration is committed to harnessing talents discovered at the Games.
Delivered through the Commission’s Director of Grassroots Sports, Amaka Ashiofu, the President’s message emphasized the role of youth sports in driving national development and economic impact through a strengthened sports ecosystem.
President Tinubu also pledged that emerging talents identified during the event would be developed into future national athletes across various sporting disciplines.
The grand finale featured a colourful closing ceremony, which included the presentation of trophies to the top three states: Lagos (1st), Delta (2nd), and Edo (3rd). One of the ceremony’s highlights was Team Delta’s dominant performance in the relay events, claiming gold in the 4×100m women’s relay, 4×100m men’s relay, and the 4×400m mixed relay.
With the curtain drawn on the 2025 National Youth Games, attention now turns to the next edition, as the sporting community anticipates even greater feats from Nigeria’s rising athletic stars.
