Against all odds, Team Nasarawa has qualified to represent the North Central Zone in four key disciplines at the ninth National Youth Games billed for Asaba, Delta State.

A contingent of 154 members left Lafia for Ilorin, Kwara State, for the zonal eliminations, where Nasarawa dominated in boys’ football, hockey (boys and girls), and volleyball (girls).

The ninth National Youth Games will be held from August 26 to September 6, 2025.

During the zonal elimination in Ilorin, Team Nasarawa defeated hosts, Kwara, 1-0, in their opening football match, beat Plateau State in their second match, and played out a 1-1 draw with Team Niger in their final match, topping the table with seven points ahead of second-placed Team Plateau.

Team Nasarawa also picked spots in the hockey boys’ and girls’ categories, placing first in the girls’ event and finishing second behind Niger in the boys’ category.

The team wrapped up the zonal elimination by coming first in girls’ volleyball ahead of Team Benue.
Team Nasarawa participated in five sports, including football, hockey, volleyball, basketball and handball.