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Asaba 2023 NYG: Lagos Reviews Participation, Unveils Plans For Discovered Talent

The Lagos State Sports Commission has unveiled plans that will bolster the state’s gains from the just-concluded National Youth Games (NYG) held in Delta State.

The Team Lagos took second place overall, maintaining its previous position for the fourth time in a row.

Represented by over 300 athletes who competed in 33 individual and team events during the 10-day celebration in Asaba, the Lagos team won 62 medals; 21 gold, 19 silver and 21 bronze.

The management of the sports commission summarized the Lagos team’s participation in the National Youth Games after the event and described the successful trip as an indicator for the further development of grassroots and school sports.

Executive Chairman Sola Aiyepeku, Directors and Heads of Departments have congratulated the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, government agencies and key stakeholders on the success at the National Youth Games.

Aiyepeku said the Sports Commission would organize more competitions to stimulate the interest of young athletes and encourage them to become successful athletes who would represent the country at international championships.

Aiyepeku also called for a critical review of the National Youth Games with the aim of changing the age group categorization of development competitions in line with international best practices.

Nunayon Travih, director of sports development said that the athletes would be given a platform to compete with their seniors in all competitions and if they dethrone the senior athletes, they would be eligible to represent the state at the Gateway Games National Sports Commission next year.

“We will continue to provide them with a platform to disseminate their talents and that cannot be withheld from them.” »
Director of Public Affairs, Oshodi-Eko Titilayo, stressed that the management approach at the Youth Games did not only focus on the medals won by the state but added that the focus was on the athletes’ individual performances.

“Before we went for the Games in Asaba we had a “celebration series” to celebrate each athlete and to encourage others to put up a good feat. “Our youngest athlete, 8-year-old golfer, Oyero Beauty was celebrated for her heroic Performance having played 18 holes for over five hours on the course.

“Some Team Lagos athletes have also been invited to the national camp to represent Nigeria. Some outstanding thletes who featured in the National Youth Games will also participate in the National Sports Festival which will come up in Ogun State next year”
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Director of School Sports, Oluyomi Oluwasanmi highlighted that the pool of talents that represented the state was drawn from private and public schools.

“Lagos State” won 7 gold, 4 silver and 5 bronze medals in swimming. So, barring a single gold medal in Ilorin in 2021, we see that collaboration between the Ministry of Education and private school owners is quickly yielding positive results.
The Head of the Technical Department, Uthman Okunnu, said: “Here in Lagos, our athletes are constantly monitored without the need for them to travel. Because we have our own facilities on site. There is a lot of material for them.

“Victory may not be our goal here, but we want to see the transition from one phase to the next where they become our property.”
The Director of Facilities, Deji Aladegbemi, noted that Lagos is the only state that regularly hosts local and international tournaments, adding that the Center of Excellence will continue to closely monitor young talents to reach the peak of their careers.

The State’s achievements at the National Youth Games are the result of development plans implemented over the years and Lagos has over the years supported the development of school sports and encouraged young people to combine sports and studies.
The Youth Games, organized to facilitate the discovery of promising talents in the country for their further development, has resulted in many Lagos State athletes being selected by the Federal Ministry of Sports through the Sports Federations for further training and exposure.

The Lagos team dominated Asaba 2023 swimming competition for the first time in the history of the National Youth Games, leading the state to victory in the competition with 16 medals. 7 gold, 4 silver and 5 bronze.

Excluding Zamfara, 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory participated in the 7th National Youth Games with over 5,000 athletes participating in various events.

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Rivers State SWAN To Mentor 80 Varsity Students As Executive Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Rivers State chapter says it has lined up series of activities to celebrate one year anniversary of the current executives of the association.
According to Viura Lezigha, Assstant Secretary, Rivers State SWAN/Secretary, Anniversary Committee, “We have lined up three remarkable programs slated from April 4-6, 2025.
“On this regard, the Mentorship program is scheduled for Friday 4th April at the Faculty of Communications and Media Studies Auditorium, Rivers State University (RSU), at 11 am.
“SWAN Rivers State Chapter will mentor over 80 final year students of the Faculty of Communications and Media Studies of the institution about Sports Writing.
“The resource persons for the Mentorship program are Amb. Mrs. Didi Phina Ojogwu, Mr. Carl Orakwe and Mr. Emeka Dennar.
Guests expected to be present at the event are
1. Prof. R. N. Amadi – Dean, Faculty of Communications and Media Studies
2. Dr. Justice Njoku C. – Ag Head of Department, Public Relations and Advertising
3. Dr. N. N. Nwankpa – Ag Head of Department, Journalism and Media Studies
4. Dr. I. Harry – Ag Head of Department, Development Communications Studies
5. Dr O. P. Brisebe – Ag Head of Department, Cinematography and Broadcast Studies

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U-13 JOF Kids Cup: Strong Dove, Miracle FC, Solution Boys, Others Eye Semi Final Slots

 

 

The coast is cleared for teams to fight for the semi-final slots of the ongoing 6th U-13 JOF Kids Cup as the Round of 16 matches were concluded last weekend setting the stage for the quarter-final (Round of 8) encounters.

Playing at the Lekki playground, Strong Dove of Orile beat Yinka Babes from Badagry 2-1

After playing a 2-2 draw game during the regulation time, B. Unit Boys of Mainland defeated Apapa Boys 4-3 with penalties.

At Ojo Oniyun playground in Ebute Metta, Miracle FC of Ijesha ran away with a lone goal victory over Abay Babes from Ajah

Idimu Bombers lost 1-2 to Solution Boys from Apapa.

I’m other results at Lekki playground on Sunday ThankGod Boys from Oko Baba beat Ultimate Villa of Ikorodu 4-2.

Versity Boys of Lagos Island defeated G. Tomorrow also from Lagos Island 1-0.

At Ojo Oniyun playground, First Class Boys from Lagos Island beat Ikosi Boys from Ketu 2-0, while Oloto Babes stopped HB Utility of Ilupeju in a grudge encounter that ended 1-0.

The quarter-final matches will be decided this weekend as the organisers, Lagos Grassroots Football Association and the sponsor, JOF Nigeria Limited are working round the clock to ensure that the final ceremony is held in April.

Mr. Adeyinka Adetunji, Director of Strategic Support Services, JOF Nigeria Limited, was enthusiastic about the level of sportsmanship exhibited by the kids in the matches played so far. He assured that the final ceremony this year will be more glamorous than the past five editions.

Quarter Final Qualified Teams:

Strong Dove
First Class Boys
Versity Boys
Oloto Babes
ThankGod Boys
Solution Boys
Miracle FC
B.Unit Boy

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FIFA World Cup 2026: Full list of countries that have qualified 

FIFA World Cup 2026: Full list of countries that have qualified 

Seven spots out of the required 48 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have already been filled after the March international break ended

Argentina is the biggest name on the list after the reigning world champions booked a spot to defend their title next year
In the other list, Nigeria leads a list of big teams who are at risk of failing to qualify after a string of disappointing results
The first international break of the year came with teams battling to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held next year.

The tournament will be the first time we will have 48 teams and will be hosted across three countries meaning the United States of America, Mexico and Canada have already qualified.

How many countries will each continent produce at World Cup 2026?

The 48 teams will be distributed based on coefficients, with UEFA (Europe) having the most with 16 slots. Here is a breakdown of how many countries have been allocated to each body.

UEFA (Europe): 16 slots

CONMEBOL (South America): 6 slots

CAF (Africa): 9 slots

AFC (Asia): 8 slots

CONCACAF (North, Central America and Caribbean): 6 slots

OFC (Oceania): 1 slot

Inter-Confederation Playoff: 2 slots

Who has already qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Four more countries have joined the hosts in confirming their place in North America next year.

Japan
Japan from AFC was the first to seal its spot after they beat Bahrain 2-0 to attain an unassailable lead at the top of Group C of the qualifiers. Goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo did the work, rendering their remaining three games a mere formality.

“Thanks to the players for their efforts and the fans for their support. We knew that if we persevered that the goals would come. We will try and win our three remaining games and grow as a team,” said head coach Hajime Moriyasu to Associated Press. This will be their eighth straight World Cup.

New Zealand
New Zealand booked the only spot reserved for the OFC region after they thumped New Caledonia 3-0.

It is the first time the Oceania region has had an automatic qualification spot and New Zealand left nothing to chance to reach only their third-ever World Cup.

Iran
Iran followed in Japan’s footsteps by nicking one of the AFC spots. Mehdi Taremi scored twice to salvage a point against Uzbekistan. The Uzbeki would have gone through with a win, while Iran only needed a point to confirm their place.

Team Melli will be at the biggest stage for the fourth consecutive time while Uzbekistan can close in on a hisorc achievement with a win in any of their remaining two games.

Argentina
The defending champions will be in North America to defend their title. The Albiceleste confirmed their place without even kicking a ball after Bolivia held Uruguay to a goalless draw.

As if that wasn’t enough, Lionel Scaloni’s side went ahead and pumped four goals past a hapless Brazil to send out a strong statement of intent.

It would be interesting to see whether talisman Lionel Messi will be in the squad come next year. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been bogged down by injuries in recent times.

Which big country can fail to qualify for FIFA World Cup?
The qualification process for Europe is still in its infant stages, or yet to begin completely in some groups, so there is nothing much to say there.

However, in Africa, where only four matches remain, some heavyweights are staring at failure to make it.

Nigeria tops this list after Zimbabwe stunned them in extra-time at home. The disappointing draw, coupled with South Africa’s win over Benin, leaves the Super Eagles’ dreams in tatters. Of course, there is still that matter of Teboho Mokoena that could change the group’s dynamics.

Senegal were handed a lifeline after Sudan failed to beat South Sudan. The Teranga Lions are now locked in a three-way battle with Sudan and DR Congo for the top honours in Group B.

How Harambee Stars can still qualify for FIFA World Cup
TUKO.co.ke has also worked out some permutations of how Harambee Stars can still qualify for the World Cup.

It is almost an improbable task at this moment after the draw against the Gambia and loss to Gabon but it is still mathematically possible.

Story by Martin Moses

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