By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State contingent for the 9th National Youth Games (NYG) is set to depart Osogbo, the state capital, on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, for Asaba, Delta State, the official host of this year’s multi-sport youth competition.
The state’s Sports Council’s spokesman, Funmilayo Moradeyo, announced this in a statement on Tuesday ahead of their departure, adding that a brief farewell ceremony will be held in honor of the athletes.
According to him, the event will be graced by the Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Sports, Prince Kola Adewusi, and the Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Hon. Abiola Jeremiah Awoyeye, who will deliver goodwill messages and formally send off the team.
Also dignitaries expected are, Mr. Ademola Daini, General Manager, Osun State Sports Council, and head of the delegation. Kehinde Johnson, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Football Matters. Layi Adesiyan, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Ronke Ogunbanwo, Director of Organization, Osho Adejoke, Director of Coaching and Training, Heads of Coaching Divisions and members of the press and media representatives
Speaking ahead of the trip, the General Manager of the Council, Mr. Ademola Daini, expressed high confidence in the athletes’ preparedness:
“Our contingent has concluded the final phase of training. The coaches have decided to allow the athletes rest ahead of Wednesday’s journey. We are not just going to Asaba to add to the numbers—we are going there to compete and win.
The Governor has consistently invested in sports development in Osun, and now it’s our turn to deliver results and make the state proud. By God’s grace, we will raise Osun’s flag high in Asaba.”
Team Osun will be competing in 24 sporting events at the Games, which officially begin on August 29, 2025, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
The disciplines include: Athletics, Para Athletics, Ayo, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Boxing, Chess, Cycling, Darts, Gymnastics, Judo, Karate, Kickboxing, Powerlifting, Scrabble, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Para Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Weightlifting, Wrestling, and more.
Daini reiterated that Team Osun is going to the Games with full preparation, discipline, and the right motivation to compete at the highest level:
“Our athletes are young, talented, and hungry for success. With the support of the government and the guidance of their coaches, they are ready to showcase Osun’s sporting excellence on the national stage.”
The State Sports Council calls on all indigenes and sports lovers to support the team and pray for their safe journey and outstanding performance in Asaba.
