By Andrew Abah
Asaba, Delta State, is set to become the center of Nigeria’s sporting excitement as it hosts the 2025 National Youth Games from August 29 to September 6.
Stephen Keshi Stadium will serve as the main venue, with teams beginning to arrive from August 26 in preparation for the ceremony.
The Games will feature no less than 37 sports across multiple venues, including the Stephen Keshi Stadium and its Indoor Sports Hall, Multi-Purpose Halls, Government House Squash Court, Asaba Sports Club, Anglican Girls Grammar School and Commissioners Quarters.
On the opening day, competitions will kick-off in table tennis, karate, para-table tennis, and weightlifting events. Other sports, including badminton, athletics, wrestling, chess, kickboxing, tennis and abula, will continue until the penultimate day, leading up to the closing ceremony on September 6.
Additional disciplines featuring at the Games include deaf athletics, taekwondo, judo, wrestling, ayo, kungfu, para-powerlifting, basketball, fives, squash, scrabble, gymnastics, shooting, swimming, beach volleyball, boxing, football, cricket, cycling, darts, golf, handball, hockey, rugby 7, kokuwa and volleyball.
Team Delta, the reigning champions from the previous edition, will be defending their title, while a long list of other challenging tates, including Lagos and Edo aim to push for the top position after finishing second and third, respectively, in the last Games.
The 2025 National Youth Games in Asaba promises a thrilling display of young Nigerian talents, uniting athletes from across the country and showcasing the nation’s sporting future.
