The zonal eliminations for the 9th National Youth Games (NYG) ended on Monday across different centres nationwide, setting the stage for the main event in Asaba, Delta State, scheduled for August 26 to September 6, 2025.

In the South-South zone, the competition took place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, with athletes competing in Abula, Baseball/Softball, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cricket, Football, Handball, Hockey, Rugby, and Volleyball.

At the Uyo Township Stadium, Edo’s Female Football Team defeated Bayelsa 2–0 to emerge zonal champions, thanks to goals from Favour Enodumwen and Nwodo Joy.

At the West Itam Sports Centre, Edo’s Female Hockey Team also qualified impressively, beating Rivers 2–0 through strikes from Uyiosa Ikpomwen and Emmanuel Favour.

In contrast, Edo’s Male Hockey Team narrowly lost 2–1 to Bayelsa in a heated game marked by controversial officiating and protests.

Edo also excelled in beach volleyball: the male team beat Akwa Ibom 2–0 (21-13, 21-11), while the female side dispatched Bayelsa 2–0. In indoor volleyball, Edo’s female team lost narrowly to Bayelsa but still secured qualification after winning a set.

Edo’s Qualified Teams for Asaba 2025: Handball (Female), Cricket (Male and Female), Baseball (Male), Rugby (Male and Female), Football (Female), Beach Volleyball (Male and Female), Hockey (Female), Volleyball (Female).

Non-Qualifying Teams: Abula (Male & Female), Basketball (Male), Hockey (Male).

Reacting, Edo State Sports Commission Chairman, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, applauded the athletes’ performance. In a statement released through his Media Officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko, he noted: “We have identified the lapses in the various teams and will go back to address them accordingly while building on our gains during our camping period in readiness for the Games proper.”

The final list of athletes and officials for the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba is expected later this week.