The Lagos State contingent ended the 7th National Youth Games on high with a second position finishing on the medal table.
According to the official medal standing released after the closing ceremony held at Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba Team Lagos secured 21 gold, 19 silver and 21 bronze. The Lagos squad brushed off the stiff opposition from Team Edo who trailed them with 21 gold, 15 silver and 17 bronze medals. Team Delta, however, came first with 51 gold, 34 silver and 31 bronze medals.
The outing of Lagos’ youngsters could be described as an excellent outing and an improvement from the last edition of the NYG in Ilorin, Kwara State judging from some challenges of preparation the team faced before the Asaba 2023 Games. Also, the public/private partnership initiative that saw a synergy that now exists between the Lagos State Sports Commission, public and private schools as well as various clubs in the state is now paying off.
This could be evident in the performance of Lagos in swimming at the 7th edition of the youth games, with the sport garnering the highest number of gold medals and indeed the largest medal haul in the just concluded national youth championship.
Independent News Express can report that swimming alone won no fewer than 16 medals 7 gold, 4 silver and 5 bronze; the highest a state could get in the tournament, far more than Team Delta who used to be leading in this sport in previous games. Delta could only settle for 15 medals 5 gold, 6 silver and 4 bronze in swimming this year.
Weightlifting is another sport that kept Lagos on a steady fight on the medal table with 5 gold and one bronze.
A quick analysis of how Team Lagos fared in the 7th edition of the National Youth Games shows that the Centre of Excellence made medals presence in no fewer than 20 sporting events. This is quite impressive when some of the kids were allegedly made to compete with opponents who are older than them, as the NYG 2023 was to have been characterised by age cheats.
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Sola Aiyepeku was quick to congratulate the entire contingent of Lagos State to Asaba 2023, saying “congratulations to all of you for making the Games a big success, well done”.
The Director General of the Sports Commission, Oluwatoyin Gafaar eulogises the exceptional leadership skill of Team Lagos management team that saw an excellent out in Asaba. “This has played a pivotal role in the team’s remarkable achievements, and you deserve high praise for your efforts.
“Under your guidance, the team of young athletes from Lagos State demonstrated outstanding performance, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the competition. The strategic decisions you made, the support you provided, and the environment you created for the athletes undoubtedly contributed to their success.
“Your expertise in talent selection, training programs, logistics management, and overall organization has been evident in the team’s exceptional performance. Your dedication to fostering the development of young athletes and providing them with the necessary resources and support is truly commendable.
“Your commitment to creating a cohesive team environment, where trust, unity, and camaraderie prevail, has been instrumental in the team’s achievements. The athletes’ ability to work together, support one another, and maintain a positive mindset is a testament to your leadership and the values you have instilled in them.
“I would also like to acknowledge the tireless efforts of the support staff, coaches, and trainers who worked tirelessly alongside you. Your expertise, guidance, and unwavering commitment to the team were invaluable in helping the athletes reach their full potential. Your dedication to their physical and mental development has undoubtedly contributed to their success.
“The management team’s role extends far beyond logistical and administrative tasks. You have served as mentors, motivators, and role models for these young athletes. Your dedication to their personal growth and overall well-being is truly admirable.
“On behalf of the entire sporting community and the people of Lagos State, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your outstanding management of Team Lagos in the youth games. Your leadership has brought pride and honour to our state, and your efforts have not gone unnoticed.
“Congratulations once again on a job well done. I wish you continued success in your future endeavours and look forward to witnessing more remarkable achievements under your guidance,” Gafaar said.
Official Medal Table Asaba 2023 NYG
