Team Lagos has emerged victorious at the 9th edition of the National Youth Games held in Asaba, Delta State, ending Delta’s long-standing dominance of the competition. In the 2025 tournament, which took place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium for the third consecutive year, Lagos athletes delivered an outstanding performance that secured them the overall championship title.
Lagos accumulated a total of 110 medals, including 52 gold, 32 silver and 26 bronze. This achievement allowed them to surpass host state Delta, which had previously won every edition of the Games since the event debuted in Abuja in 2013. Delta, despite their late surge on the final day of competition, settled for second place.
Drama unfolded on the last day when Delta athletes staged a strong comeback, collecting two additional gold medals and a bronze to push Team Edo into third position. Delta eventually closed with 114 medals, made up of 37 gold, 38 silver and 39 bronze, while Edo finished with 79 medals consisting of 33 gold, 18 silver and 28 bronze. The intense rivalry gave the closing ceremony a dramatic twist, highlighting the competitive spirit that defined the tournament.
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Delta had enjoyed an unbroken streak of victories in all the previous eight editions of the National Youth Games. The event, which started as an under-17 championship, was later adjusted to focus on athletes under the age of 15. Kwara State hosted five editions between 2016 and 2021 before the games were handed to Delta under a hosting agreement in 2022. Since then, Asaba has welcomed the competition three consecutive times in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Speaking at the conclusion of the Games, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevbore, praised the success of the event and expressed satisfaction that young athletes are being discovered and nurtured to represent Nigeria in the future. He emphasized that the Games have become a vital platform for developing new talents who will carry the nation’s flag in international competitions.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, represented by Mrs. Amaka Ashovu, also hailed the achievements of the 9th edition. He described the event as an incredible experience filled with determination, energy and sportsmanship. According to him, the Games continue to offer opportunities to identify fresh talents who will step up to replace aging athletes on the national stage.
The 2025 Games will be remembered as a landmark year, not only for Lagos, which finally toppled Delta’s reign, but also for the renewed energy and excitement that the competition has brought to grassroots sports in Nigeria.
