Team Edo has once again stamped its mark as a rising powerhouse in Nigerian sports, finishing third overall at the 9th National Youth Games, which concluded today at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, applauded the team for what he described as a “statement of intent” from Edo’s young athletes. The team delivered a stellar performance, amassing 33 gold, 18 silver, and 28 bronze medals — a feat that placed Edo behind host state Delta with Team Lagos emerging overall winners.
As the curtains fell on the 2025 edition of the Games, fans were treated to a grand finale of electrifying relay events — including the 4x100m, 4x400m, and medley relays — thrilling the crowd of sports enthusiasts and dignitaries.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented at the closing ceremony by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko. Also in attendance were Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade.
In a statement issued through his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele expressed immense pride in Team Edo’s exploits, noting that the state fielded the youngest athletes in the competition which aligns with the vision of the games.
“For Team Edo, the performance was more than a medal haul; it was a statement of intent,” Enabulele said. “The state’s young athletes demonstrated resilience, grit, and undeniable talent, further justifying Edo’s reputation as a breeding ground for champions.”
He further credited the success to the Edo State Government’s strategic focus on grassroots sports development under Governor Monday Okpebholo.
“This achievement highlights the Governor’s growing investment in grassroots sports, as well as the determination of the athletes and their coaches to boldly inscribe Edo’s name on the national sports map,” he added.
Team Lagos topped the medal table with 52 gold, 32 silver, and 26 bronze medals, while host Delta settled for second place with 37 gold, 38 silver, and 39 bronze. Despite finishing behind Delta, Edo’s third-place position is being hailed as a triumph driven by discipline, determination, and the undying Edo spirit.
As the 9th National Youth Games draw to a close, it reaffirmed its place as a Launchpad for Nigeria’s future sporting heroes. For Team Edo, the future has never looked brighter.
