IDNN Sports Desk
Team Lagos dethrone Delta to win 9th National Youth Games in Asaba
The 9th edition of the National Youth Games closed in Asaba on Saturday with Team Lagos crowned overall champions, dethroning Delta State’s long reign at the top of grassroots sport in Nigeria.
Lagos delivered a powerhouse performance, topping the medal table with 52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze. Delta, who had dominated the competition in recent editions, finished second on 37 gold, 38 silver, and 39 bronze. Edo placed third with 33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze, while Bayelsa and Kwara rounded out the top five.
President Bola Tinubu, represented at the closing ceremony by National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko, lauded the Games as “a shining example of Nigeria’s future,” emphasizing the role of sports in fostering unity, resilience, and national pride.
Delta State governor Sheriff Oborevwori expressed pride at hosting the competition, noting the commitment and discipline shown by athletes across the federation. “The Games once again showed the strength of the Nigerian youth and the power of sports to unite the nation,” he said.
The curtain fell with a vibrant closing ceremony featuring cultural displays, music, and a parade of athletes, signaling Lagos’ rise as a new powerhouse of youth sports in Nigeria.
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