NYG: TEAM LAGOS TOPS MEDAL TABLE AHEAD OF EDO, DELTA
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BY OWOLABI OLUWADARA.
Team Lagos is on the path to an extraordinary victory at the ongoing 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, as the competition reaches its concluding phase.
The National Youth Games, established in 2013 by the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, functions as Nigeria’s foremost platform for grassroots sports talent identification.
This multi-sport event aims to discover, develop, and cultivate young athletes under the age of 15, with the overarching objective of establishing a robust pipeline of talent for national and international sporting events.
As of the conclusion of day six (Wednesday), Team Lagos has accumulated a total of 69 medals, including 35 gold, 18 silver, and 16 bronze, ahead of the pursuing Team Edo and the host team, Team Delta. Edo currently occupies second place with 46 medals, consisting of 23 gold, nine silver, and 14 bronze, while Team Delta rounds out the top three with 51 medals (14 gold, 17 silver, and 20 bronze).
With three days of competition remaining, Team Lagos aims to maintain its lead against challengers Team Edo and the historically dominant Team Delta.
Team Lagos has excelled in the swimming and gymnastics events in Asaba and is poised for additional successes in various ball games. The team secured 19 gold and 4 silver medals in swimming, while their young gymnasts contributed 4 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze medals across different disciplines.
On Wednesday, Team Lagos also secured a gold medal in the boys’ volleyball event, while the girls’ team is expected to replicate that success in their final match scheduled for Thursday (today).
The Lagos State female hockey and football teams are set for more finals as they aim to capture additional gold medals on day seven.
Other events where they are anticipated to earn medals before the conclusion of the competition include athletics, basketball, cycling, handball, chess, kickboxing, wrestling, squash, tennis, and abula.
In a statement released by the Director of Public Affairs for the Lagos State Sports Commission, Titi Oshodi-Eko, on Thursday, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, remarked that the athletes’ performances align with the state’s vision for sporting excellence.
“There is no better way to assess the performance than what we have witnessed in terms of the numerous gold medals the swimmers have achieved. It has reaffirmed Lagos State’s standing as the leader in swimming within Nigeria.
“It has also further demonstrated that Lagos U-15 swimmers are indeed the best in the country, and we will strive to improve continually. ”
There is no superior method to assess performance than what has been observed through the numerous gold medals acquired by the swimmers. This has indeed reaffirmed Lagos State’s status as the preeminent authority in swimming within Nigeria.
Furthermore, it has demonstrated that, at present, Lagos’s U-15 swimmers are unquestionably the finest across the nation, and we will persist in enhancing our achievements.
This serves as a testament and validation of the resources, support, and infrastructural advancements initiated by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The realization of that investment is evident in the performances of our athletes and the successes reflected in the array of gold medals secured by Lagos athletes at this event, stated Fatodu.
According to the media, over the years, the Games have cultivated numerous athletes who have proceeded to represent Nigeria at the African Youth Games, Youth Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and even the Olympics. Delta State, which has hosted the Games in recent editions, has consistently led the medal standings, capitalizing on its reputation as Nigeria’s sporting powerhouse.
This year’s edition features over 5,000 athletes from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory contending in more than 30 sports, including swimming, gymnastics, athletics, football, cycling, table tennis, basketball, chess, and combat sports.
Team Lagos’s robust performance in Asaba is noteworthy as it indicates a potential change in dominance from Team Delta, who have been perennial champions of the Games. Lagos’s remarkable achievements in swimming and gymnastics stand out as a compelling narrative in this year’s competition, positioning the state as a burgeoning leader in aquatic sports.
The Games also function as a platform for states to evaluate the efficacy of their grassroots sports development initiatives, investments in facilities, and athlete welfare programs.
Under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State has been vocal about its dedication to sports as a vehicle for youth development, a commitment that is now reflected in the state’s near-leading position in the medal standings.
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