Athletes Arrive Asaba for 9th National Youth Games

Athletes from across Nigeria have begun arriving in Asaba, the Delta State capital, ahead of the 9th edition of the National Youth Games (NYG). The Delegation Registration Meetings (DRM), which ran from August 21 to 24, officially paved the way for the start of the competition.
According to the Local Organising Committee (LOC), arrivals are scheduled for August 26 and 27, while the official opening ceremony will take place on Friday, August 29. The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Diko, is expected to declare the Games open on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
Team Delta’s list of athletes for the 2025 NYG is being eagerly awaited. The state has dominated the medals table since the inception of the Games and has been in closed camping since last week. Speaking on preparations, Mr. Festus Owhojero, former Director-General of the Delta State Sports Commission and current Executive Assistant to the Governor on Sports, reaffirmed the commitment of DSSC Chairman Joshua Oborevbori and his board to deliver a well-organized competition that will celebrate emerging talents while fostering unity and discipline through sports.
Owhojero stressed that Delta is fully prepared to host the tournament. “The 9th NYG begins on August 26 and will run until September 7 in Asaba, with the grand opening at the Stephen Keshi Stadium on August 29, 2025,” he said. This marks the third consecutive time Delta State is hosting the Games, following Kwara State’s five-time hosting record. The maiden edition was held in Abuja in 2013.