The 9th edition of the National Youth Games in Asaba has continued to deliver thrills, with Lagos State overtaking defending champions Delta and perennial contenders Edo in the battle for supremacy on the medal table.
As of Thursday evening, Team Lagos topped the charts with an impressive 61 medals – 33 gold, 15 silver, and 23 bronze. Edo State trailed in second place with 41 medals, comprising 25 gold, 9 silver, and 15 bronze. Hosts and defending champions Delta State slipped to third with 59 medals – 17 gold, 20 silver, and 22 bronze.
Abia State has also made a strong showing, securing fourth place with 9 gold, 8 silver, and 7 bronze medals.
Speaking on the development, the Special Adviser on Media to the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Kola Daniel, said the performances reflect the Games’ role in discovering the next generation of stars.
“What we are seeing here in Asaba is the spirit of youth sports at its finest. Lagos, Edo, Delta, and Abia have raised the bar, but beyond the medals, these Games are about unearthing raw talent that will represent Nigeria on the global stage in years to come,” Daniel stated.
The atmosphere inside the venues has been electric, with young athletes not only competing for medals but also breaking and setting new records across disciplines.
A coach with Team Edo, Mrs Grace Omoregie, expressed confidence in her athletes’ ability to push further.
“Our athletes are fired up. They’ve shown resilience and hunger. We know the race isn’t over yet, and Edo is here to fight till the end,” she said.
Meanwhile, spectators in Asaba say the Games have lived up to expectations. Emeka Nwosu, a local fan, described the event as a showcase of the nation’s sporting future.
“Watching these kids compete is inspiring. You can tell that the future of Nigerian sports is bright. The medal table may change, but the real winners are the athletes who now believe they can be global stars,” Nwosu said.
With the closing ceremony set for Saturday, September 6, the race for top honors remains wide open. Fans, coaches, and athletes alike are bracing for an exciting finish to what has already been a historic edition of the Games.
