Team Delta emerged as the winner of the 8th National Youth Games (NYG) held in Asaba, securing 41 gold, 27 silver, and 30 bronze medals.
However, their victory was overshadowed by widespread allegations of age cheating, raising concerns about the integrity of the competition.
Sports administrators monitoring the 11-day event expressed disappointment with both the organization and the outcome.
Dr. Daniel Igali, President of the Wrestling Federation of Nigeria (WFN), highlighted age cheating as a significant issue hampering grassroots sports development.
He stated, “As a nation, we must have to end this win-at-all-cost approach to tournaments.
If Nigeria wants to do well in international events, we must take deliberate steps to eliminate age cheating.”
Igali warned that the purpose of the youth tournament would be undermined if the issue of age fraud was not addressed, accusing those responsible for athlete screening of favoring the highest bidder.
He emphasized the importance of the youth games in the country’s sports development.
Mr. Obioma George, Director of Sports at the Abia Sports Council, also voiced concerns about the event’s organization.
He noted inconsistencies in the screening process, with some athletes initially screened out for being over-aged only to later participate in the competition.
“We hope that the organizers will try to discourage age cheats going forward in our sports competitions because it’s causing us more harm than good,” George remarked.
According to the final medal table released by the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Team Lagos finished in second place with 25 gold, 19 silver, and 18 bronze medals.
Team Edo came in third with 17 gold, 12 silver, and 21 bronze medals, while Team Bayelsa secured fourth place with a total of 14 gold, 17 silver, and 21 bronze medals.
(NAN)
