The 7th edition of the National Youth Games drew to a close on Saturday the 30th of September, 2023 in Asaba, Delta State.

It went down in history as the first time another state other than the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) and Kwara state (University of Illorin), will host the event. Only Zamfara state failed to participate in this edition of the games. Many states also had to drop some associations due to lack of funds.

A total of 647 medals were won by the participating Athletes in 34 events. The female athletes won 99 gold medals while their male counterparts won 98 gold medals. The females also clinched a total of 97 silver medals while the males amassed 100 silver medals.

In the bronze medal category, the girls won 123 bronze medals while the boys got themselves 130 bronze medals in the eight-day event.

The games produced very young stars like youngest overall, Nahome Ehi Onoja, a 5-year-old chess player from Benue and 7-year-old gymnast, Ngowari Jewel Onengiye, the youngest Rivers athlete. One can only hope that they will blossom to become great athletes in future.

Host Delta state emerged winner of the NYG games for the seventh consecutive time since its inaugural edition with 116 medals, which include 51 gold, 34 silver and 31 bronze medals.

Lagos state came second with 61 medals, comprising of 21 gold, 19 silver and 21 bronze while Edo secured third position with 57 medals (21 gold, 15 silver, 17 bronze medals). Benue state is the only state that did not win a single medal.

Some of the challenges observed during the games include poor technique by some athletes, team officials placing too much emphasis on winning, inadequate welfare for athletes, improper kitting and age cheating.

However, one of the objectives of the games is to foster national unity and in that regard, the 7th National Youth Games scored a huge pass mark.