Sports
Asaba Ignites as 9th National Youth Games Showcase Nigeria’s Brightest Talents
Joel Ajayi
Asaba, Delta State, is alive with youthful energy, sporting excellence, and national pride as the 9th edition of the National Youth Games (NYG) got underway last week, bringing together the brightest young talents from across Nigeria.
Sharing his experience after attending a tennis event at the Stephen Keshi Stadium Indoor Sports Hall, Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, lauded the spirit and discipline of the young athletes.
“It gave me so much joy to see their energy, discipline, and passion for the game. These young talents are the future of Nigerian sports, and it is our responsibility to create the right structures and opportunities for them to thrive.”
The DG further underscored the broader vision driving the Games:
“The future is bright, and Nigerian sports will continue to rise. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are determined to create pathways that not only discover talent but also nurture them to compete and succeed on the global stage.”
Hon. Olopade added that “watching them reminded me why we continue at the National Sport Commission NSC to push for innovation, development, and investment in grassroots sports. This is where champions are made.”
The Games, running from August 26 to September 6, 2025, features 37 sports and have drawn athletes from 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Delta State, hosts and defending champions as well as Lagos, Edo, Oyo and Bayelsa States are leading the charge for who clinches this year’s crown.
The NSC invites Nigerians everywhere to rally behind the youth, celebrate their achievements, and witness the emergence of tomorrow’s sporting legends.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
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