National Youth Games 2024: Southwest Zonal Elimination Playoff screening begins in Osogbo

Posted : 30 August 2024

Hundreds of youths stormed the Osogbo Township Stadium on Thursday to participate in the screening exercise for the Southwest Zonal Elimination Playoffs ahead of the National Youth Games, scheduled for September 9 to September 20, 2024, in Asaba, Delta State.

The event, which commenced under the watchful eyes of sports officials from the six Southwest states, marks the beginning of a rigorous selection process aimed at identifying the region’s most promising talents for the upcoming national competition.

The screening exercise, conducted by General Managers and Directors from the Sports Ministries of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, and the host state, Osun, was a critical step in ensuring that only eligible athletes under the age of 15 would participate in the playoffs.

Among the officials present were Rotimi Dumoye, General Manager of the Osun State Sports Council; Ademola Daini, Director of Coaching and Training at the Osun State Sports Council; Mayowa Ogundele of the Ekiti State Sports Council; Olamide Travih representing Lagos State; Habiba Opeoluwa from Ogun State; and J.S. Fagite, General Manager of Ondo State, among others.

Rotimi Dumoye of the Osun State Sports Council expressed his gratitude to the Osun State Government, led by Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke and the Deputy Governor, who also serves as the Commissioner for Sports in the State, for their support in hosting the Southwest Zonal Elimination Playoffs.

"We are grateful for the support from the Osun State Government, which has provided everything we need to host this year’s event successfully," Dumoye stated.

He also highlighted the importance of the screening process, noting that the National Youth Games is a platform meant exclusively for young athletes under the age of 15.

"The essence of this screening exercise is to eliminate over-aged players, as the National Youth Games is meant for athletes under the age of 15," Dumoye explained.

He further emphasized the need for fairness and integrity in the competition, pointing out that some states had attempted to include over-aged players, which was strictly against the rules.

"We have to screen them out," he concluded firmly.

The Southwest Zonal Elimination Playoffs will run until August 31.

The playoffs will feature athletes from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, and Osun competing in a wide range of ball games, including football, basketball, handball, volleyball, hockey, baseball/softball, beach volleyball, and rugby.

National Youth Games 2024: Southwest Zonal Elimination Playoff screening begins in Osogbo

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