Sports

Sports Minister to Declare National Youth Games Open in Asaba

Published

6 months ago

September 12, 2024

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh will officially declare the National Youth Games open on Thursday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State.

In anticipation of the event, Senator John Owan Enoh has emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the Games by strictly adhering to the age requirement.

He reiterated that the National Youth Games are intended for athletes 15 years of age and below, and any attempts at age cheating will not be tolerated.

“As the name of the Games implies, this competition is strictly for the youth. We are committed to providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents in a fair and transparent environment. The technical team has been instructed to ensure that only athletes within the age bracket of 15 years and below participate.”

“Age cheating undermines the purpose of these Games, and we will take firm measures to prevent it,” Senator Enoh stated.

Delta State, renowned for its rich sporting culture, is the host for this year’s event, and the stage is set for an exciting celebration of youth talent and sportsmanship.

The National Youth Games have become an important event in the nation’s sports calendar, offering young athletes the opportunity to compete at a national level and hone their skills. The Games are also a key part of Nigeria’s talent identification and development strategy, helping to groom the next generation of sporting stars.

The Honourable Minister called on all participanting States to embody the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship, while urging spectators and fans to support the young athletes as they represent their states in various sporting disciplines.

The opening ceremony promises to be a grand spectacle, with several dignitaries and sports stakeholders expected to attend in celebration of the future of Nigerian sports.

Share on Facebook

Sports

NSC Hails Nigerian Badminton Team as Eniola Bolaji Strikes Gold, Men’s Doubles Team Secures Bronze in Spanish International Tourney

Published

47 mins ago

March 17, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has applauded the Nigerian contingent at the 2025 Spanish Parabadminton International, after another impressive outing that saw the team secure a gold and a bronze medal in Toledo, Spain, on Sunday.

Paralympic medallist Eniola Bolaji continued her dominance, winning her second gold medal in two weeks with a commanding 2-0 (21-7, 21-10) victory over Turkey’s Halime Yildiz in the women’s SL3 final. Bolaji had won gold a week earlier at the Spanish International in Victoria, Spain.

In the men’s SL4 doubles event, Nnana Jeremiah and Eze Chukwuebuka delivered a strong performance, battling their way to a well-deserved bronze medal.

NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the athletes for making Nigeria proud and praised the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, led by Francis Orbih, for ensuring the team’s optimal performance on the international stage.

“These athletes have once again showcased the resilience and talent that define Nigerian sports. Their success is a lucid indication of their hard work and the strategic leadership we demand from the Badminton Federation and other sports federations. We are proud of them and remain committed to supporting their journey to greater heights,” Dikko said.

Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized that the achievements align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of strengthening grassroots sports while ensuring Nigeria competes favorably on the global stage.

“As part of our mandate under President Tinubu’s administration, we are committed to developing talent from the grassroots and supporting our elite athletes to bring home international laurels. The NSC will continue to back the strategic vision of sports federations as we work towards building a strong and sustainable sports ecosystem,” Olopade stated.

Since the National Sports Commission leadership took office, Nigerian contingents have continued to impress internationally including international successes in cricket and basketball recorded thus far. The NSC leadership stated that no stone will be left unturned until Nigerian sports reaches its full potentials.

Share on Facebook