Asaba set to host 9th National Youth Games as athletes arrive for sporting fiesta

Asaba, the Delta State capital, is buzzing with excitement as athletes and officials from across Nigeria arrive for the 9th edition of the National Youth Games (NYG), which officially kicks off this week.

The Delegation Registration Meetings (DRM), which ran from August 21 to 24, have paved the way for the commencement of the competition. According to the Local Organising Committee (LOC), August 26 and 27 have been designated as official arrival dates, while the opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday, August 29, 2025, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Diko, is expected to declare the Games open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

All eyes will be on Team Delta, the perennial leaders of the NYG medals table since the Games’ inception.

The team, which has been in closed camp for the past week, is expected to once again mount a strong title defense as the host state. The official announcement of their delegation is being eagerly awaited.

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Speaking of preparations, the immediate past Director-General of the Delta State Sports (DSSC) and current Executive Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Mr. Festus Owhojero, assured that Delta is fully ready to deliver a world-class event.

“The 9th NYG begins on August 26 and will run until September 7 here in Asaba, with the opening ceremony at the magnificent Stephen Keshi Stadium on August 29,” Owhojero confirmed.

He added that the DSSC Chairman, Joshua Oborevbori, and his board remain committed to staging a well-organized Games that will showcase Nigeria’s next generation of sporting stars while promoting unity, discipline, and excellence through sports.

This marks the third consecutive time Delta State is hosting the National Youth Games, following Kwara State’s dominance as a five-time host. The maiden edition was held in Abuja in 2013.