Team Delta Emerges Winner Of 2024 National Youths Games

Team Delta claimed total victory at the 8th National Youths Games (NYG) held in Asaba, Delta, despite numerous allegations of age-related cheating.

The defending champions secured a total of 41 gold, 27 silver, and 30 bronze medals, solidifying their position as the overall winners of the event.

A group of sports administrators who observed the 11-day competition expressed their dissatisfaction with both the organization and the results of the games.

Dr. Daniel Igali, President of the Wrestling Federation of Nigeria (WFN), addressed journalists at a press conference, highlighting that age cheating poses a significant obstacle to the advancement of grassroots sports in the country.

“As a nation, we must have to end this win-at-all-cost approach to tournaments.

“If Nigeria wants to do well in international events, we must take deliberate steps to eliminate age cheating.

“If we fail to address this, the aim of the youth tournament will be defeated because this idea of some states wanting to win at all costs is discrediting the efforts of others,” Igali said.

Igali expressed that the youth games are evolving into a failed initiative, as those responsible for evaluating athletes have transformed the process into a transaction for the highest bidder.

He emphasized that, in terms of sports development, the youth games continue to be the most significant competition in the nation.

Also speaking, the Director of Sports, Abia Sports Council, Obioma George, expressed disappointment over the organization of the event, saying: “I want to sincerely congratulate Delta for hosting this tournament but would also like them to look into the issue of screening of athletes.

“It is disappointing to note that some athletes were screened in spite of their age difference, which gives some states a brighter chance of winning more medals.

“Most of Abia athletes were screened out even when they were not over-aged compared to some other states, where their athletes were initially screened out.

“However, we later got to see the same athletes that were initially screened out compete in the competition.

“We hope that the organisers will try to discourage age cheats going forward in our sports competitions because it’s causing us more harm than good.”

The final standings published by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the games indicate that Team Lagos secured the second position, achieving a total of 25 gold, 19 silver, and 18 bronze medals.

Team Edo followed in third place, amassing 53 medals, which included 17 gold, 12 silver, and 21 bronze.

Team Bayelsa ranked fourth on the medal table, with a total of 52 medals, consisting of 14 gold, 17 silver, and 21 bronze.