NSC Confirms Official Schedule for 2025 National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially confirmed the schedule for the 2025 National Youth Games, marking the ninth edition of Nigeria’s premier multi-sport youth event.
The Games will be hosted in Asaba, Delta State, and are scheduled to run from Tuesday, August 26 to Saturday, September 6, 2025.
Thousands of young athletes from across the country are expected to converge in the host city to compete for national recognition and sporting excellence.
This year’s Games carry the theme “We Are the Future,” a powerful message that underscores the role of sports in shaping the next generation of Nigerian leaders, champions, and change-makers.
The confirmation of the schedule follows a successful Joint Technical Meeting held in Asaba, where representatives from all participating states gathered to finalize key logistics and operational details for the event.
In preparation for the Games, the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) have been actively inspecting and certifying facilities and venues across Delta State.
These efforts are aimed at ensuring that all infrastructure meets the required standards for hosting a successful and memorable championship. The NSC has reiterated its commitment to delivering a well-organized and impactful event that not only showcases Nigeria’s emerging sports talents but also promotes the values of unity, discipline, and excellence through sport.
Preparations for the Games will begin in earnest with the official registration period, which opens on Tuesday, August 12 and closes on Wednesday, August 20. During this time, participating states will submit their athlete rosters and finalize administrative details.
Zonal eliminations, designed to streamline participation and ensure regional representation, will take place over three days, from Friday, August 16 to Sunday, August 18. These preliminary contests will determine which athletes advance to the national stage in Asaba.
Following the eliminations, a Pre-Delegation Registration Meeting (Pre-DRM) will be held on Monday, August 19 and Tuesday, August 20, allowing technical officials to conduct final screenings and verify entries.
The formal Delegation Registration Meeting (DRM) will then take place from Thursday, August 21 to Saturday, August 23, during which state contingents will be officially accredited and briefed.
Athletes and officials are expected to begin arriving in Asaba on Monday, August 26, with the Opening Ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, August 28. The Games will run continuously until Saturday, September 6, culminating in a festive Closing Ceremony that evening. Departures are slated for Sunday, September 7.
Having hosted the National Youth Games in both 2023 and 2024, Asaba is no stranger to the energy and excitement that the event brings. The Delta State Sports Commission, under the leadership of Chairman Onoriode Oborevwori, has pledged to deliver a world-class experience for athletes, coaches, and spectators alike.
Sporting venues across the city have been upgraded, and the Games Village is being prepared to accommodate thousands of young competitors aged between 9 and 14.
Over 30 sports disciplines will be contested during the Games, ranging from athletics, swimming, and football to less conventional events such as scrabble, chess, and traditional Nigerian games.
In addition to the competitive events, the Games will feature educational components, including anti-doping workshops and athlete insurance programs, aimed at promoting integrity, safety, and holistic development in youth sports.
The NSC encourages all stakeholders, including state sports councils, coaches, and parents, to support the Games and help foster a vibrant sporting culture that empowers Nigeria’s youth and strengthens national unity.
