The National Youth Games ended Thursday in Asaba, Delta State. However, the last day was very dramatic and the atmosphere electric, as battles for better finish on the table got fiercier.
The National Youth Games has always been a fierce battleground for emerging sports talents across Nigeria, and this year was no exception. As of the day before the final events, Lagos State found itself in third place behind Edo State. However, a thrilling turnaround on the last day saw Lagos not only catch up but surpassed Edo, securing a second spot on the leaderboard.
Speaking on the remarkable late surge of Team Lagos, Senior Special Assistant on Sports to Lagos State Governor, Hon.Damilare Orimoloye, revealed that the secret to the remarkable comeback, was not in a single moment but in a series of calculated efforts and teamwork.
“We took stock of our position and identified the key areas we needed to dominate on the final day. A swift, decisive strategy was developed which included encouraging coaches, athletes, and support staff to focus on precision in the upcoming events, especially those where Lagos had traditionally performed well. With the determination to excel and the belief that victory was within reach, we pushed for maximum effort,” he said.
Obviously, when morales are down, it takes ingenuity and awe-inspiring moves to turn around the situation. According to the youthful sports administrator, the leadership noted the importance of motivating and inspiring the impressionable athletes.
“We realised that the key to success, however, lay in motivating the young athletes, who had already been giving their best. It was important to remind them of their journey and the pride that comes with representing Lagos State.
“I spoke to the athletes, reminding them that this was their moment. They had put in the hard work, and all that was left was to deliver on the final stage.
“No matter what the scoreboard shows now, it’s about how we finish,” I told them. That message resonated with the team, sparking a renewed drive that ultimately led to their success,” he explained.
