The 9th National Youth Games in Asaba officially comes to an end today, with Team Lagos emerging as the overall champions after dominating the medals table.
According to the official report released by the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee, Team Lagos secured 47 gold, 28 silver, and 22 bronze medals, firmly taking the top spot.
In second place is Team Edo, with 33 gold, 14 silver, and 22 bronze medals. Delta State, the host of the Games, follows closely with 31 gold, 36 silver, and 33 bronze medals. In total, athletes from 32 states made their mark on the medals table, showcasing the depth of Nigeria’s youth sporting talent.
The closing ceremony takes place today with exciting finals in wrestling, judo, and athletics, including the boys’ and girls’ 4×100 metres relays and the 4×400 metres mixed relay.
Standout Performance
One of the stars of the Games was 13-year-old Faith Chukwuma of Delta State, who won the girls’ 200 metres race. She also clinched a silver medal in the 100 metres and helped her teammates secure three gold medals.
Chukwuma expressed her gratitude after her victory, recalling her journey from being a bronze medallist at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta to becoming a gold medallist in Asaba.
“I made up my mind that I was going to win the 200 metres race, and I finally did,” she said, dedicating her success to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, her coach, and her mother.
The National Youth Games serve as a critical platform for talent discovery and development in Nigeria. They not only promote grassroots sports but also build pathways for athletes to progress to elite competitions.
In line with PMW’s focus on youth development and sports infrastructure, this year’s event highlights how investments in sports can support national unity and create new opportunities for young Nigerians. For more on sports and infrastructure, see our feature on how sports facilities shape urban communities (internal link).
Globally, youth competitions are recognized as key to talent grooming, similar to initiatives supported by organizations like the [International Olympic Committee]
