The city of Asaba, Delta State, is buzzing with excitement as athletes from across Nigeria arrive for the 9th edition of the National Youth Games (NYG).

According to the Local Organising Committee (LOC), arrival of contingents was scheduled for August 26th and 27th, while the official opening ceremony will be held on Friday, August 29th, 2025, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Diko, is expected to declare the games open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

All eyes are on Team Delta, the perennial champions of the NYG, who have dominated the medals table since the inception of the tournament in 2013. The team has been in closed camping ahead of the fiesta, and their official squad list is eagerly awaited by sports fans.

Speaking ahead of the games, Festus Owhojero, Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Sports and a member of the LOC, assured that Delta is ready to host another successful edition.

“The 9th NYG begins on the 26th of August and will run till the 7th of September in Asaba. The magnificent Stephen Keshi Stadium is set to host the opening ceremony, and we are fully prepared to deliver a world-class event,” he said.

This year marks the third consecutive time Delta State is hosting the Games, after Kwara State hosted five editions and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) hosted the maiden edition in 2013.

Beyond the medals and competition, the Games are designed to discover Nigeria’s next generation of sports stars, while also promoting unity, discipline, and excellence through sports.