The 8th edition of the National Youth Games is expected to Climax this weekend in  Asaba, Delta State. 

The Games which is the youth version of the National Sports Festival is a brain child of the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

It is a multi-sporting event organized by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Sports for young athletes from the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria to exhibit their talents for discovery and enhancement. 

The maiden edition of the National Youth Games was held in 2013 at the main bowl of the National Stadium Abuja. The event was declared opened by the Vice President Namadi Sambo who was represented by Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, then Chairman National Sports Commission.

That maiden event had in attendance over 4000 athletes drawn from the different states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. The aim of the festival is to harness talents amongst the youths in Nigeria and also ensuring unity and togetherness among different states.

Cross River State emerged winners of the maiden event which took place  from December 5–15, 2013. 

The second edition event in 2016 was hosted in Ilorin from 21st - 30th, September 2016. Ilorin also hosted the event in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021 respectively. This was largely due to the success recorded during the 2016 event which was hosted in Ilorin. it was reported that the University of Ilorin and the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development signed a memorandum of agreement to host the games in the University for five years.

The 7th and 8th editions of the event was held in Asaba, Delta State. 

According to the Federal Ministry of Sports Development (FMSD), the owners of the games,  the purpose of it is for talent identification and the provision of a level playing ground for youth athletes in accordance with best 
international practices.

The NYG which is an annual event that balances sports, culture and education, 
where athletes aged 15 years and below compete in sports and participate in 
culture and education programmes. 

The Objectives of the Games is 
a) To build a robust talented pool of athletes 
b) To enhance and elevate sports at grassroots level
c) To establish a standard programme for athletes’ progression and 
succession
d) To curb age cheating in sports
e) To encourage early and mass participation in sporting activities
f) To engage young athletes in the Olympic Movement, skill development 
and social responsibility 
g) To enhance cultural and educational development
h) To promote National Unity.

Since its inception, Box 18 and many Nigerians had wondered if the National Youth Games has lived to the expectations. 

No doubt the games has been instrumental to discovering and promoting young Nigerian athletes who later achieve success on national and international stages. Athletes like World 100m(hurdles) Record holder Tobi Amusan and Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie were products of the Games. The event no doubt, has served as a talent pipeline, bridging the gap between grassroots sports and elite competitions.

In addition to these standout examples, the NYG has also played a crucial role in the development of many athletes across various sports disciplines, including athletics, swimming, basketball, and wrestling. The event serves as a testing ground for young talents, helping coaches and scouts to identify promising individuals who can be further developed for national and international competitions.

Despite its successes, the National Youth Games has encountered several challenges which are centered on the following:

Inadequate funding and resource allocation. The organization of such a large-scale event requires substantial financial investment, and the lack of sufficient funds often affects the quality of facilities, accommodation, and overall logistics. Limited resources can also impact the ability to provide proper training and support for the athletes.

The quality of sports facilities and infrastructure used during the NYG has been a recurring concern. Inadequate or poorly maintained facilities can affect the performance of athletes and the overall success of the games. Ensuring that venues meet international standards is crucial for the development of young athletes and the credibility of the event.

Organizing an event of the NYG’s scale involves complex logistical coordination, including transportation, accommodation, and scheduling. Delays or mismanagement in these areas can disrupt the event and impact the athletes’ experience. Ensuring smooth logistics is essential for the seamless execution of the games.

While the NYG plays a critical role in discovering young talent, there is a need for a more robust system to support and retain these athletes. The transition from youth sports to professional levels often lacks continuity, and there is a need for structured pathways and support systems to ensure that promising athletes receive the necessary training and opportunities to excel.

Administrative inefficiencies and governance issues can also affect the effectiveness of the NYG. Ensuring transparent and accountable management of the event is essential for its success. Addressing bureaucratic hurdles and streamlining processes can help improve the overall organization and execution of the games.

Ensuring broad and inclusive participation across all states and regions of Nigeria is crucial for the success of the NYG. This 8th edition has gone into the history books as one that all the 36 including FCT participated. It has been one reason or the other that had hindered the full participation of all the states. However, disparities in resources and opportunities can lead to uneven participation, with some regions having more representation than others. Promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for all participants is essential for the development of a comprehensive and equitable sports system.

It is not a gain saying that the  National Youth Games in Nigeria is the geese that lay the golden eggs for the country in sports. The tears that followed the participation in the last Olympics in France can only be avoided if proper attention is paid to the NYG and proper data and monitoring of athletes discovered in the Games are maintained. Box 18 insists that the future of Nigeria Sports is in the National Youth Games.