Sports
Lagos State Submits Bid to Host 2026 National Youth Games
Joel Ajayi
Lagos State has formally submitted its bid to host the 2026 edition of the National Youth Games, signaling its ambition to bring the prestigious event to Nigeria’s most populous and economically vibrant city.
The expression of interest was officially signed by the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, underscoring the state’s commitment to youth development and sports excellence.
In a statement accompanying the bid, the Lagos delegation noted that “with Lagos being Nigeria’s foremost economic and cultural epicenter, the State is committed to fostering sporting excellence and nurturing youth talent across the nation.”
The statement further emphasized Lagos State’s proven track record in organizing major sporting events. “Our state boasts a commendable legacy of successfully hosting national and international sporting events. With world-class facilities such as the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Mobolaji Johnson Arena, and Rowe Park, coupled with a robust accommodation landscape and an efficient transport network, Lagos is exceptionally equipped to deliver a seamless and memorable event for athletes, officials, and guests alike.”
The bid document was submitted on behalf of the Lagos State Government by a high-powered delegation led by the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Hon. Lekan Fatodu. Other members of the delegation included Mr. Nunayon Olumide Travih, Director of Sports, LSSC; Dr. (Mrs.) Oluyomi Oluwasanmi, Director of School Sports, LSSC; and Mr. Dare Orimoloye, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports.
Team Delta emerged champions of the last edition in 2024. The state won 46 gold, 31 silver, and 34 bronze, totalling 111 medals, and was announced as champions at the closing ceremony held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.
The National Youth Games (NYG) is a multi-sport event designed to discover and develop young, talented athletes. It serves as a platform for identifying potential athletes who can represent Nigeria in national and international competitions.
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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