Delta rejects NSC's move to transfer 2026 National Youth Games Hosting Rights to Lagos

Asaba, Delta – The Delta State Sports Commission has firmly rejected any attempt by the National Sports Commission (NSC) to transfer the hosting rights of the 10th National Youth Games (NYG), scheduled for September 2026, to Lagos State.

This declaration comes amid speculations and reports suggesting that Lagos might take over as host, prompting a strong response from Delta State officials.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, the Acting Director-General of the Delta State Sports Commission, Ms. Muobo Igalase, emphasized that Delta State remains bound by a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the then Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, now the NSC.

She described any move to strip Delta of the hosting rights as “a breach of trust and disregard for a binding agreement,” asserting that the renaming of the federal ministry does not invalidate the MoU.

Igalase reiterated Delta’s preparedness to host the 2026 NYG, stating, “Delta remains fully prepared to welcome the rest of the country in September 2026, confident of once again setting the pace in talent discovery.”

She urged the NSC to honor the existing agreement and suggested that Lagos could instead host the maiden edition of the proposed National Intermediate Games, a new platform designed to bridge the transition of young athletes into senior careers.

The controversy follows reports of Lagos State’s bid to host the 2026 NYG, with a two-day inspection of its sports facilities conducted by NSC officials in August 2025.

Venues such as Teslim Balogun Stadium, Mobolaji Johnson Arena, and the University of Lagos Sports Complex were assessed, with Lagos State Sports Commission Director-General Lekan Fatodu expressing confidence in delivering a landmark event.

However, the NSC clarified on August 31, 2025, that no decision has been made regarding the 2026 hosting rights, with Director-General Bukola Olopade stating that the official handover of the championship flag will occur during the closing ceremony of the ongoing 9th NYG in Asaba.

Delta State, which has hosted the NYG for three consecutive years and won all eight previous editions, continues to assert its dominance both on and off the field. At the 2024 NYG, Delta topped the medals table with 46 gold, 31 silver, and 34 bronze medals, followed by Lagos and Edo States.

The state’s sports infrastructure and organizational capacity have made it a hub for youth sports in Nigeria, with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the Local Organising Committee, led by Chief Solomon Ogba, committed to maintaining this legacy.

As the 9th NYG progresses in Asaba, with Team Edo currently leading the medals table with 17 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze medals, the hosting rights dispute adds a layer of tension to the event. The NSC’s final decision on the 2026 host is expected to be announced soon, but Delta State’s firm stance underscores its determination to retain its role as the epicenter of Nigeria’s youth sports movement.

The outcome of this dispute will likely shape the future of the NYG, a critical platform for talent discovery and youth development in Nigeria, as both Delta and Lagos vie to showcase their capabilities in fostering the nation’s sporting future.