8th NYG: Dominant Team Delta wins NYG again

Posted : 20 September 2024

Team Delta has emerged as the winner of the 8th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta, amidst widespread allegations of age cheating.

The defending champion won a total of 41 gold, 27 silver, and 30 bronze medals to secure victory in the games.

A cross-section of sports writers and administrators who monitored the 11-day sporting event expressed disappointment at the organization and outcome of the games.

Dr. Daniel Igali, President of the Wrestling Federation of Nigeria (WFN), told journalists at a news conference that age cheating is a major challenge in the nation’s efforts to develop grassroots sports.

“As a nation, we must end this win-at-all-costs approach to tournaments.

“If Nigeria wants to excel in international events, we must take deliberate steps to eliminate age cheating.

“If we fail to address this, the aim of the youth tournament will be defeated because the desire of some states to win at all costs is discrediting the efforts of others.”

Igali stated that the youth games were becoming a failed projection because those responsible for screening athletes have turned it into a gift for the highest bidder.

He emphasized that the youth games remain the most important competition in the country regarding sports development.

Also speaking, the Director of Sports for the Abia Sports Council, Mr. Obioma George, expressed disappointment over the conduct of the games.

“I want to sincerely congratulate Delta for hosting this tournament, but I would also like them to address the issue of athlete screening.

“It is disappointing to note that while some athletes were screened despite their age differences, this gives certain states a better chance of winning more medals.

“Most Abia athletes were screened out even when they were not overage, compared to some other states where athletes who were initially screened out later competed in the event.

“We hope that the organizers will discourage age cheating in future sports competitions, as it is causing us more harm than good,” Obioma said.

According to the final table released by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the games, Team Lagos came in second with 25 gold, 19 silver, and 18 bronze medals.

Team Edo secured third place on the medal table with a total of 53 medals, including 17 gold, 12 silver, and 21 bronze.

Meanwhile, Team Bayelsa finished a distant fourth on the medal table with 52 medals, comprising 14 gold, 17 silver, and 21 bronze.

8th NYG: Dominant Team Delta wins NYG again

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