Delta State Under Fire Over Poor National Youth Games Conditions

The opening days of the 2025 National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, have been overshadowed by poor welfare and unsafe living conditions for athletes and officials.

A source disclosed that at Dennis Osadebe University, where most of the athletes are lodged, revealed several troubling issues. On Wednesday night, there was no electricity supply, leaving participants in complete darkness, a situation that has made pumping of water impossible. Staff of the university explained that the institution owes electricity bills, and the supplier used the opportunity of the games to disconnect power in order to draw attention to the debt.

The welfare situation worsened when meals served to athletes were widely rejected. Many under-15 athletes refused the food, describing it as poor in quality. “The children are rejecting the food because of the soup, it’s watery,” one coach revealed, declining to be named. Leftover food was seen littered around the hostels.

Accommodation has also been a challenge, as the number of mattresses provided was not enough to go round. This made sleeping difficult for many athletes and officials. Organisers have since promised to provide more beds before the end of the day.

Even more worrying is the state of some of the buildings. Staircases in certain hostels are missing rails, raising safety concerns for the young athletes lodged there. Officials have already alerted the organising committee to fix the situation urgently in order to prevent accidents.

The poor conditions are in sharp contrast to the recent National Sports Festival hosted in Ogun State, where Babcock University provided top-class accommodation and welfare for athletes.

Despite the difficulties, coaches were seen on Thursday morning trying to motivate their athletes to stay focused as the competition screening exercise begins.

An official from Taraba State expressed hope that the situation will improve following complaints from various delegations. “I pray respite comes so the athletes can compete without distractions and the aim of the games is achieved,” he said.

The 9th National Youth Games, which welcomed arrivals on 26 and 27 August, will run until 6 September in Asaba.

As confirmed by the National Sports Commission, Over 6300 athletes are in Delta State for the 9th National Sports Festival with the opening ceremony scheduled for Friday, 29th August at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

Sports247.ng