The Ondo State contingent, brimming with enthusiasm and determination, has set out from the state capital, Akure, for Asaba, Delta State, to compete in the 9th edition of the National Youth Games (NYG). The prestigious multi-sport event, scheduled to take place from August 26 to September 6, 2025, brings together young athletes from across Nigeria to showcase their talents, foster camaraderie, and promote the values of discipline and sportsmanship. For Team Ondo, this year’s competition represents an opportunity to build on past achievements, compete in a diverse range of sporting events, and bring pride to their state.
The National Youth Games, organized annually by the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s efforts to nurture young sporting talent and promote grassroots sports development. Since its inception, the NYG has served as a platform for identifying and grooming future champions, many of whom have gone on to represent Nigeria on regional and international stages. For Ondo State, participation in the 9th NYG is not just about winning medals but also about showcasing the state’s commitment to youth empowerment and fostering a culture of excellence in sports.
At the last edition of the NYG, Team Ondo secured an impressive 12th position on the medals table, amassing a total of 16 medals. This achievement, while commendable, has fueled the team’s ambition to climb higher in the rankings this year. With a robust contingent of athletes, coaches, and support staff, Ondo State is poised to compete in 22 sporting events, ranging from traditional disciplines like athletics and wrestling to emerging sports such as darts and ayo olopon. The diversity of events underscores the state’s holistic approach to sports development and its commitment to providing opportunities for athletes with varied talents.
A Diverse Lineup of Sporting Events
Team Ondo’s participation in the 9th NYG spans an impressive array of 22 sporting events, reflecting the state’s investment in nurturing talent across multiple disciplines. The contingent will compete in wrestling, karate, squash, darts, athletics, judo, tennis, table tennis, swimming, handball, beach volleyball (girls), abula (male), kickboxing, boxing, para table tennis, ayo olopon, and gymnastics, among others. This diverse lineup highlights the state’s efforts to promote both mainstream and indigenous sports, ensuring inclusivity and broad representation.
Athletics, often referred to as the “king of sports,” remains a cornerstone of Ondo State’s participation. The state has a proud history of producing talented athletes in track and field events, and this year’s team includes promising sprinters, jumpers, and throwers eager to make their mark. Wrestling and judo, which require strength, technique, and discipline, are also expected to be strong events for Team Ondo, given the state’s track record in combat sports.
The inclusion of sports like ayo olopon, a traditional Nigerian board game, underscores the NYG’s commitment to celebrating cultural heritage while promoting physical and mental agility. Similarly, abula, a fast-paced indigenous game played with a small ball and bats, reflects the diversity of Nigeria’s sporting traditions. By competing in these events, Team Ondo is not only vying for medals but also contributing to the preservation and promotion of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
Emerging sports such as darts and squash represent a new frontier for Ondo State’s athletes. These events require precision, focus, and strategic thinking, offering opportunities for athletes to showcase their skills in less traditional disciplines. Para table tennis, which caters to athletes with disabilities, highlights the state’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that all young people, regardless of physical ability, have a chance to compete and excel.
A Call for Discipline and Sportsmanship
Before the contingent’s departure from Akure, the athletes received a rousing send-off from state officials, led by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Henry Omoyofunmi. Represented by Sunday Fagite, the General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council, Omoyofunmi delivered an impassioned address, urging the athletes to embody the values of discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the competition. He emphasized that their conduct, both on and off the field, would reflect the character of Ondo State and its people.
“As representatives of Ondo State, you carry the hopes and aspirations of millions of our citizens,” Omoyofunmi said. “Our sports-loving governor is looking forward to receiving you upon your return. Win medals for the state and make us proud, but above all, compete with integrity and respect for your fellow athletes.”
The commissioner’s words were a reminder of the broader significance of the NYG, which goes beyond mere competition. For young athletes, the games provide a platform to develop life skills such as resilience, leadership, and perseverance. By adhering to the principles of sportsmanship, Team Ondo’s athletes have the opportunity to serve as role models for their peers and inspire the next generation of sports enthusiasts in the state.
Fagite, speaking on behalf of Omoyofunmi, also highlighted the state government’s commitment to supporting sports development. He noted that the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has prioritized investments in sports infrastructure, training programs, and talent scouting initiatives to ensure that Ondo State remains a hub for athletic excellence. “This is your moment to shine,” Fagite told the athletes. “Give your best, and know that the entire state is behind you.”
The Significance of the National Youth Games
The National Youth Games have emerged as a vital component of Nigeria’s sports ecosystem, providing a platform for young athletes aged 15 and under to compete at a national level. The event is designed to identify and nurture talent at an early stage, ensuring a steady pipeline of athletes who can represent Nigeria in major competitions such as the African Games, Commonwealth Games, and Olympics. Over the years, the NYG has produced numerous stars who have gone on to achieve international acclaim, including Blessing Okagbare, Divine Oduduru, and Tobi Amusan.
For Ondo State, the NYG represents an opportunity to showcase its commitment to youth development and sports excellence. The state has a rich sporting history, with notable achievements in athletics, football, and combat sports. By participating in the NYG, Ondo State aims to build on this legacy while providing its young athletes with exposure to high-level competition and opportunities for personal growth.
The games also play a critical role in promoting national unity. By bringing together athletes from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the NYG fosters a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and cultural groups. For Team Ondo, competing in Asaba offers a chance to interact with peers from other parts of the country, forge friendships, and celebrate Nigeria’s unity in diversity.
Ondo State’s Preparations for the 9th NYG
In preparation for the 9th NYG, Ondo State has invested heavily in training and talent development. The State Sports Council, under the leadership of Sunday Fagite, has worked tirelessly to identify and groom athletes across various disciplines. Training camps were organized in the months leading up to the games, with coaches and technical officials providing intensive support to ensure that the athletes are in peak condition.
The state has also focused on providing its athletes with the necessary resources, including equipment, uniforms, and medical support. These efforts reflect the government’s recognition of the role that sports can play in youth empowerment and community development. By investing in its young athletes, Ondo State is not only aiming for success at the NYG but also laying the foundation for long-term growth in the sports sector.
The selection process for Team Ondo was rigorous, with trials held across the state to identify the most talented and dedicated athletes. Coaches and selectors prioritized not only skill but also discipline and commitment, ensuring that the contingent is composed of individuals who embody the values of hard work and perseverance. The inclusion of para table tennis athletes and competitors in indigenous sports like ayo olopon and abula further demonstrates the state’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
Challenges and Opportunities
While Team Ondo is well-prepared for the 9th NYG, the contingent faces several challenges. The competition is expected to be fierce, with states like Delta, Lagos, and Ogun traditionally dominating the medals table. To surpass its 12th-place finish from the previous edition, Ondo State will need to deliver exceptional performances across multiple events. The pressure to succeed is heightened by the state’s ambition to establish itself as a powerhouse in Nigerian sports.
Logistical challenges, such as transportation and accommodation in Asaba, could also pose hurdles. However, the Ondo State government has taken steps to ensure that the contingent is well-supported, with adequate provisions for travel, lodging, and welfare. The presence of experienced coaches and support staff will be crucial in helping the athletes navigate the demands of the competition.
Despite these challenges, the NYG presents numerous opportunities for Team Ondo. For many of the athletes, the games represent a stepping stone to greater achievements, with scouts from national and international sports federations likely to be in attendance. A strong performance could open doors to scholarships, sponsorships, and opportunities to compete at higher levels.
Moreover, the NYG provides a platform for Ondo State to showcase its organizational capacity and commitment to sports development. A successful outing could enhance the state’s reputation as a hub for athletic talent, attracting further investment in sports infrastructure and programs.
The Broader Impact of Sports on Youth Development
Beyond the pursuit of medals, the participation of Ondo State in the NYG underscores the transformative power of sports in shaping the lives of young people. Sports offer a pathway to personal development, teaching values such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience. For many of the athletes, the experience of competing in Asaba will be a defining moment, instilling confidence and a sense of purpose that will guide them in their future endeavors.
The state’s investment in sports also has broader implications for community development. By providing opportunities for young people to engage in positive activities, Ondo State is helping to combat issues such as youth restiveness, unemployment, and social exclusion. Sports programs can serve as a catalyst for social change, empowering young people to become active and responsible citizens.
Furthermore, the NYG aligns with Nigeria’s broader development goals, including the promotion of health and well-being, as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By encouraging physical activity and healthy lifestyles, the games contribute to the physical and mental well-being of Nigeria’s youth.
A Call to Action for Team Ondo
As Team Ondo embarks on its journey to Asaba, the contingent carries the hopes and aspirations of an entire state. The athletes, drawn from communities across Ondo State, represent the diversity and resilience of the Sunshine State. Their performance at the 9th NYG will be a testament to the power of hard work, preparation, and unity.
The words of Commissioner Henry Omoyofunmi, delivered through Sunday Fagite, resonate as a call to action for the athletes: “Win medals for the state and make us proud.” But beyond the pursuit of medals, the true measure of success for Team Ondo will be the legacy they leave behind—a legacy of discipline, sportsmanship, and excellence that inspires future generations.
As the 9th National Youth Games unfold in Asaba, all eyes will be on Team Ondo. With determination, talent, and the support of their state, these young athletes have the opportunity to shine brightly and etch their names in the annals of Nigerian sports history.
