For the third consecutive year, Asaba, the capital of Delta State, will host the National Youth Games (NYG)—Nigeria’s flagship talent discovery event.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed that preparations are well underway for what it promises will be a bigger, better, and more inclusive edition of the National Youth Games.
Scheduled to take place from August 26 to September 6, 2025, the 9th edition will once again be hosted in Asaba, Delta State, marking a remarkable third consecutive year the city will welcome Nigeria’s brightest young sporting talents.
Established in 2013 under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the NYG was envisioned as a long-term solution to Nigeria’s dwindling pool of elite athletes.
It is open exclusively to athletes aged 15 and under, giving thousands of Nigerian teenagers their first taste of multi-sport competition.
Since its inception at the National Stadium in Abuja, the Games have evolved into a national movement—showcasing young talent in disciplines ranging from athletics to wrestling, swimming, basketball, and taekwondo.
Asaba’s hosting of the 9th edition marks a historic three-peat, following its successful staging of the 7th (2023) and 8th (2024) editions.
READ MORE: Eguavoen: Super Eagles can still qualify for 2026 World Cup
Beyond hosting, Delta State also asserted itself as a dominant force on the medals table.
Photo Credit: NSC
At Asaba 2024, Delta State topped the charts with a total of 98 medals—41 gold, 27 silver, and 30 bronze.
Lagos State pushed into second place with 25 gold, 19 silver, and 18 bronze (62 total), displacing Edo State, who finished third with 17 gold, 12 silver, and 24 bronze.
In contrast, Ebonyi and Zamfara States finished without a single medal—highlighting the disparity in youth sports development across regions.
Though podium finishes grab headlines, the true value of the Games lies in youth development. Many athletes from previous editions have already transitioned into national teams or elite junior competitions.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
The 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State recently featured Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) standout performers from previous NYGs competing alongside established stars.
The Stephen Keshi Stadium and affiliated venues will welcome over 5,000 participants, including athletes, coaches, officials, and fans from all 36 states and the FCT.
The NSC has assured stakeholders that logistics, accommodation, security, and medical support are being prioritized to maintain the Games’ growing reputation.
