The National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed that more than 6,382 athletes and officials will converge in Asaba for the 9th edition of the National Youth Games.

The game will run from August 29 to September 6.

In a statement the NSC said that the figure was obtained from the completion of the Digital Registration Management (DRM) process, with participants drawn from all 36 states of the federation.

The games aim to promote grassroots sports and unearth the next generation of Nigerian champions.

The NYG has grown into a major sporting event, fostering unity and offering young talents a platform to shine on the national stage.

This year’s edition will feature 37 sporting events, promising a showcase of skill, teamwork, and determination across multiple disciplines.

Defending champions, Team Delta, will be looking to hold on to their crown but face fierce competition from equally ambitious contingents at the 2025 edition.

The NSC said that the Games remain “a celebration of talent, resilience, and national unity,” with nine days of thrilling action expected to produce the country’s future stars.

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has approved the air transportation of 170 of the state’s contingent to compete in 17 sporting events at the National Youth Games, Asaba, Delta State.

The acting Chairman of the State Sports Commission, Ibrahim Fagge, who disclosed this , said that the contingent is departing Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, for Asaba today (Tuesday).

Fagge said the decision was in line with the Governor’s pledge to prioritise the safety of athletes representing the state at national events.

He recalled that 22 athletes from the state lost their lives in a road accident while returning from Ogun during the Gateway Games.

“The governor is a humble leader who has shown concern and readiness to deploy all available means to protect the lives and property of Kano people,” he said.

He urged the athletes to strive to make the state proud and remain good ambassadors of the government and people of Kano throughout the competition.

The acting chairman added that two coaster buses with drivers had already been deployed to Asaba to assist the contingent and provide local logistics during the games.

“I’m deeply honoured to be joining Paris Saint-Germain, a top-drawer club in Europe.

This is a major step for me, and I’m committed to giving my all to help PSG win titles and to inspire young footballers, be they in Nigeria or elsewhere,” said Super Falcons forward Rasheedat Ajibade, after she completed her move to French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

PSG signed the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)-winning captain on a two-year deal after she left Spanish side Atlético de Madrid at the end of last season.

The 24-year-old links up with compatriot Jennifer Echegini as Les Parisiennes strengthen their squad in a bid to reclaim the Ligue 1 Féminine title, which they last won in 2021.

Ajibade shone at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where she was voted Player of the Tournament after scored one goal and provided two assists as Nigeria claimed a record 10th continental crown.