Niger State athletes have recorded a strong outing at the 9th National Youth Games held in Asaba, Delta State, securing a total of 11 medals across different sporting events.
According to a report by Mediaplusng.com, the team of 219 athletes represented the state in multiple categories and finished 13th on the overall medal table. Their efforts produced four gold, three silver, and four bronze medals, making it one of the best performances by the state in recent years.
The medals came from sports such as weightlifting, boxing, scrabble, tennis, kickboxing, taekwondo, and judo. Sports enthusiasts say this achievement is a big boost for grassroots sports development and a sign that Niger State’s young athletes are steadily rising to national recognition.
The Chairman of the Niger State Sports Commission, Abdullahi Masu, who led the delegation, praised the athletes for their hard work and determination. Speaking to Mediaplusng.com, he said the results prove that investing in grassroots sports is the best way to nurture future champions.
Some medalists also shared their excitement after the competition. Stephen Onazi, who won gold in Scrabble, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase his skills at a national level. Abdulsalam Kamaldeen, who won both gold and silver in weightlifting, said the victory has motivated him to aim higher in future competitions.
The athletes also extended appreciation to the Governor of Niger State, Umaru Bago, for fulfilling his promises to the team and providing the needed support. They noted that his encouragement boosted their morale and contributed to their success at the Games.
With this performance, Niger State sports stakeholders believe the National Youth Games has once again highlighted the importance of early talent discovery and development. Observers say the challenge ahead is to sustain the momentum and provide continuous training opportunities that will prepare young athletes for both national and international stages.
