Sports
Asaba Bubbles, as Excitement Builds Towards 7th National Youth Games
”Discovery of new talents more important than winning” – Sports Minister
Excitement and anticipation is hitting fever pitch as the 7th edition of the National Youth Games takes centre stage in Asaba, Delta State this Saturday.
The Games will feature 35 sports, with no fewer than 4,500 athletes from the 36 states of the federation plus the FCT participating in the jostle for glory.
The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh said that the main focus of the Games will be to unearth young talents for the country, who would possibly take on the baton at the elite stage in a few years.
“At this level of sports, our major focus as a nation will not be to win, but to provide a platform for new talents to find expression,” the Minister said. “We want to have a working system that churns out talents for the nation, and at the same time provide a platform for these talented individuals to be the best version of themselves.”
“The National Youth Games is for young athletes who are 15 years and under. It is at this level that we want to find the next Victor Osimhen, the heir apparent to Tobi Amusan, the protégés for Funke Oshonaike and Aruna Quadri, and many others,” Senator Enoh added.
He noted that part of the vision of the Ministry is to ensure proper development and provide a transition programme for these young athletes, where they can climb up the ladder from being newbies to full elite competitors.
The Games will be held between September 23 – 30, 2023, across multiple venues in the Delta State capital, with the Opening Ceremony taking place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.
Featured sports include athletics, basketball, cricket, chess, football, judo, golf, handball, scrabble, Taekwondo, volleyball, wrestling, etc.
Teams are expected to start arriving from Wednesday, September 20, 2023, with screening of athletes to take place before the Opening Ceremony.
Sports
AACT 2026: Babagirei-Ahmad Assures Visitors of Smooth Visa Processing, Warm Welcome
By Joel Ajayi
With nine days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Chairperson of the Visa, Airport Reception and Protocol Committee, Zulaiha Babagirei-Ahmad, has assured participating countries and other visitors of smooth visa processing and a warm reception ahead of the continental women’s golf championship.
Babagirei-Ahmad said preparations were progressing smoothly, with her committee working closely with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure a seamless arrival experience for golfers, team officials and other delegates expected in Nigeria.
She noted that the committee was committed to providing a welcoming atmosphere and efficient protocol services that would make the stay of visitors memorable while showcasing Nigeria’s renowned hospitality
With about 30 African countries expected to participate in the championship, the committee is coordinating visa arrangements, airport reception and other logistical requirements to facilitate the arrival and movement of international guests.
According to her, the objective goes beyond ensuring smooth entry into the country, as the committee is determined to make every visitor feel welcome from the moment they arrive in Abuja.
She added that the championship offers Nigeria an opportunity to strengthen relationships among African nations, promote unity through sport and showcase the country’s capacity to host major international sporting events.
The 2026 edition will be the third time Nigeria has hosted the All Africa Challenge Trophy, following the 1996 championship at Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos and the 2010 edition at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
The tournament is scheduled to hold from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, Abuja, under the slogan, “Uniting Africa Through the Greens.”
With preparations entering the final stretch, Babagirei-Ahmad expressed confidence that the committee would deliver efficient visa coordination, effective airport reception and quality protocol services to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.
As the countdown continues, Nigeria is preparing to welcome Africa’s golfing community to Abuja for a championship expected to celebrate sporting excellence, friendship and continental unity.
9 DAYS TO GO!
AACT 2026: UNITING AFRICA THROUGH THE GREENS.
AFRICA IS COMING TO ABUJA!
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