Overview
The 9th edition of the National Youth Games (NYG), held in Asaba, Delta State, brought together athletes aged 15 and below from all 33 states of Nigeria. The event, organized by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development (FMYSD), aimed to promote grassroots sports, cultural exchange, and youth empowerment.
Medal Table Summary – Bottom to Top
| Rank | State | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total Medals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | Sokoto | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 32 | Katsina | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 31 | Taraba | 0 | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| 30 | Zamfara | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| 29 | Yobe | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| … | … | … | … | … | … |
| 5 | Rivers | 15 | 10 | 20 | 45 (est.) |
| 4 | Bayelsa | 18 | 12 | 25 | 55 |
| 3 | Edo | 33 | 28 | 18 | 79 |
| 2 | Delta | 37 | 42 | 35 | 114 |
| 1 | Lagos | 52 | 34 | 24 | 110 |
Note: All 33 states won medals, fulfilling the NYG’s goal of inclusive participation.
Underperformance and Challenges
- Sokoto, Katsina, Taraba: Minimal medal counts highlight the need for targeted investment in youth sports infrastructure and coaching.
- Oyo, Ogun, Osun: Struggled with medal conversion, securing few golds despite high total medal counts.
- Age Verification: Reports of age-cheating resurfaced, prompting calls for stricter enforcement to maintain the integrity of the Games.
Mid-Tier States: Room for Growth
- Rivers and Bayelsa: Showed promise, especially in combat sports and board games. Bayelsa’s rise reflects strategic leadership and youth-focused development.
- Plateau, Ekiti, and Kwara: Demonstrated potential but need stronger finishing strategies to convert podium appearances into golds.
Top Performers
- Edo State: Maintained a consistent top-three position, excelling in martial arts and athletics.
- Delta State: Despite losing the top spot, Delta recorded the highest total medal count, showcasing depth across disciplines.
- Lagos State: Emerged as overall champions for the first time, with the highest gold count and efficient conversion rates—marking a shift in youth sports dominance.
Strategic Implications
- Emerging States: Require tailored support to bridge the performance gap.
- Mid-Tier States: Must focus on athlete development and competitive readiness.
- Top States: Should sustain momentum through infrastructure, coaching, and succession planning.
Conclusion
The reversed medal table offers a fresh lens on the competitive landscape of Nigerian youth sports. While Lagos celebrates its historic win, the broader narrative emphasizes inclusivity, development, and the ongoing need to uplift underperforming regions. The NYG remains a cornerstone for talent discovery, national pride, and youth empowerment.
