The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has issued a stern warning against age cheating at the National Youth Games (NYG), emphasizing that the event is exclusively for athletes aged 15 and under.
In a statement released on Thursday by his Special Adviser (Media), Diana-Mary Nsan, the minister underscored the importance of maintaining the integrity of the competition by strictly adhering to the age requirements.
Enoh urged all participating states to embrace fair play and uphold sportsmanship, reminding them that the purpose of the games is to provide a level playing field for young athletes to showcase their talents.
“As the name of the Games implies, this competition is strictly for the youth.
We are committed to providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents in a fair and transparent environment,” the minister stated.
He added that the technical team had been instructed to ensure only athletes within the designated age bracket participate, warning that “age cheating undermines the purpose of these Games, and we will take firm measures to prevent it.”
The National Youth Games were officially declared open on Thursday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, marking the beginning of a highly anticipated celebration of youth talent and sportsmanship.
Delta State is this year’s host, and the stage is set for an exciting competition featuring young athletes from across the country.
The NYG has grown into a key event in Nigeria’s sports calendar, serving as an essential platform for talent identification and development.
The event plays a critical role in grooming the next generation of sporting stars for the nation.
Several dignitaries and sports stakeholders are expected to attend the opening ceremony, which promises to be a grand showcase of the future of Nigerian sports.
