Sports
Tinubu Flags Off 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Vows Greater Investment in Sports Development
Joel Ajayi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on Friday officially declared open the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to sports as a catalyst for national unity, youth empowerment, and global competitiveness.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare, the President emphasized that sports remain a vital force in building cohesion among Nigeria’s diverse peoples while offering young talents a pathway to international excellence.
“From these young athletes, future national and international stars will emerge. Our government remains committed to nurturing them with the right structures, facilities, and policies to ensure they grow into world-class ambassadors for Nigeria. Sports is not just recreation; it is a unifying force and a driver of national pride,” President Tinubu said.
He further pledged to strengthen grassroots sports programmes across the country, assuring that his government would continue to provide support through the National Sports Commission and other agencies.
“This administration will not relent in its quest to invest in our youth. With discipline, hard work, and the right environment, you our young athletes will carry the green-white-green to podiums around the world,” the President added.
Welcoming participants, the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, praised the Games for uniting the nation through healthy competition. He assured athletes, coaches, and officials of Delta’s readiness to host a befitting championship, urging them to uphold fairness and integrity in all events.
“The National Youth Games have over the years produced stars who now represent Nigeria internationally. We are proud to host once again, and Delta is prepared to give athletes a safe, competitive, and memorable experience,” Governor Oborevwori said.
In his remarks, the Director-General, National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, underscored the significance of the Games in shaping the nation’s sporting future. According to him, the Youth Games remain the foundation for discovering podium athletes who later dominate at continental and global competitions.
“This is where the journey of greatness begins. Compete with heart, uphold fair play, and remember that you carry the hope of your states and the pride of the nation,” Olopade charged.
He added that the Commission under his leadership would intensify efforts to harness talents discovered at the Games through structured training programmes and international exposure.
“Our mission is to ensure that no raw talent is left behind. With sustained investment in youth sports, Nigeria will reclaim its pride of place in global competitions,” he declared.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Hon. Onoriode Oborevwori, assured participants not just a sporting event but a memorable experience.
He urged athletes to compete with discipline, determination and showcase the spirit of sportsmanship.
The ceremony also featured the traditional oath-taking, with Obiagu Faith leading athletes in pledging allegiance to the rules of the Games, while Comrade Obioha George, Director of Sports, Abia State, swore on behalf of coaches and officials.
The Games, featuring 37 sporting events, have drawn contingents from 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Host state Delta, defending champion of all eight editions since inception, now chases a ninth title as Asaba sets the stage for ten days of thrilling competition, talent discovery, and celebration of Nigeria’s unity through sports.”
Sports
Nigeria Jets Out Tuesday for 2025 Hockey AFCON as Federation President Engr Nkom Backs Teams for Podium Finish
Joel Ajayi
With the 2025 Hockey African Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to take place in Egypt from October 11 to 18, both the men’s and women’s national hockey teams are set to depart Nigeria on October 7, brimming with confidence and determination to make the nation proud.
The President of the Hockey Federation of Nigeria (HFN), Engineer Simon Nkom, speaking after a series of friendly matches at the Hockey Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, said the teams’ early preparation and intensive training camps have positioned them for a successful outing in Egypt.
“In sports—whether it’s hockey, handball, or basketball—fitness is key. That’s why we began camping weeks ago to build the players’ strength and resilience ahead of this major competition. This is the African Cup of Nations—the highest level of hockey on the continent. We’ve prepared well, and I’m confident our teams will finish on the podium,” he stated.
Nkom highlighted the significant progress Nigerian hockey has recorded in recent years, noting that the country’s world ranking improved from 56th to 36th, while in Hockey 5s, Nigeria now stands 12th globally.
“A few years ago, people barely knew hockey existed in Nigeria. Today, our women’s team ranks 3rd in Africa, and the men’s team is 4th. This growth is a product of deliberate grassroots development and consistent effort,” he added.
To ensure smooth participation and avoid past challenges of late arrivals at tournaments, the federation has finalized logistics for early departure.
“We’ve made all arrangements for the teams to leave early to acclimatize and play friendly matches before the competition begins. The players are motivated, relaxed, and ready to give their best. By God’s grace, they will return home with their heads held high,” Nkom assured.
The HFN President also lauded the federation’s board members for their commitment and teamwork over the past four years, which he said has greatly contributed to the sport’s steady rise in Nigeria.
Head coach Ndana Baba Abdullahi, who oversees both the men’s and women’s teams, praised the federation’s support and lauded the players’ work ethic throughout the extended training camp.
“We’ve worked very hard — morning and evening sessions, tactical drills, conditioning. The players have responded excellently. We started with 35 players and are now down to the final 18 who will make the trip,” Abdullahi said, adding that the early arrival in Egypt would give Nigeria a crucial psychological and tactical edge.
Men’s team captain, Michael John, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness and determination to make history in Egypt.
“We’re perfectly fine — we’ve trained hard and prepared well,” he said. “We’re just waiting for the whistle to blow. By God’s grace, we won’t disappoint our country or those who worked hard to send us there.”
Similarly, women’s team captain, Alfa Cornelius, echoed optimism about the team’s prospects.
“We’ve been camping for over a month, and the coaches have done a wonderful job. We’ve worked hard to match our opponents in both strength and skill. I’m 100% confident that we’ll perform excellently in Egypt,” she said.
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