Over 1,200 Athletes Storm Ilorin For 2025 National Youth Sports Festival Zonal Eliminations

Over 1,200 Athletes Storm Ilorin For 2025 National Youth Sports Festival Zonal Eliminations

By Admin 

Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, has become the centre of attention as more than 1,200 athletes and officials from across the North Central region converge for the zonal eliminations of the 9th National Youth Sports Festival (NYSF). The event, which serves as the qualifying stage for team sports ahead of the finals in Delta State later this year, kicked off with screenings on Saturday and will run through Monday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The hosting rights, initially assigned to Nasarawa State, were transferred to Kwara after Nasarawa failed to meet organisational requirements. Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq intervened, directing the state to underwrite the costs to ensure the zonal games went ahead as scheduled.

Zonal Coordinator Saka Akeem commended the swift action, describing Kwara’s intervention as “a lifeline” for the festival.

 “We are immensely grateful to Governor Abdulrazaq for saving the day. Our impression since arrival has been very positive,” he said.

Nine sports will be contested in Ilorin, including football, basketball, volleyball, handball, beach volleyball, hockey, rugby, cricket, abula, and baseball/softball. Only the top two teams in each sport will advance to the national finals.

While Benue’s participation remains uncertain, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Plateau, Kogi, Niger, and hosts Kwara have all confirmed their readiness.

Kwara’s Director of Sports at the State Sports Commission, Coach Ibrahim Bako, expressed confidence in the state’s preparedness despite the late notice.

 “Kwara is always ready. That’s why we remain the leading sports state in the North Central and among the top five nationwide at the NYSF,” he said.

Beyond the competition, the eliminations are being viewed as a platform for youth empowerment, talent discovery, and grassroots development. By giving athletes under 15 years old the chance to compete at a high level, the festival is expected to instill confidence, discipline, and create professional pathways for promising youngsters.

Sports analysts note that the festival has grown into an essential talent pipeline, particularly for the North Central zone where professional sporting opportunities remain limited. For many states, it is also a chance to refine grassroots programmes and test young athletes against their peers.

Hosting responsibilities are already yielding economic benefits for Ilorin, with hotels, transport operators, and small businesses recording a surge in patronage.

The National Youth Sports Festival has a strong record of producing future stars for Nigeria, with several past participants going on to represent the country at international level. For the young athletes competing in Ilorin, this zonal elimination could be the first step in a long and successful sporting journey.