The Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Sports has reaffirmed its preparedness to host the 2025 South-South Zonal Elimination of the National Youth Games. The event, scheduled to hold from Saturday, August 16 to Monday, August 18, will serve as the zonal qualifier for the National Youth Games taking place in Asaba, Delta State from August 26 to September 6.
All six states in the South-South zone will participate in the elimination series, with athletes competing in ten (10) approved sports disciplines for Under-15 boys and girls. With the aim of securing qualification to represent their respective states at the national level later this month.
The Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, stated that Akwa Ibom was chosen to host the zonal event due to the availability of standard sporting infrastructure and facilities in the state.
Speaking during an interactive session with coaches and secretaries of various sports associations in the state, Elder Bassey emphasized that all modalities have been put in place to ensure a smooth and successful event.
“As a state, I want to say that we are fully ready to host the South-South Zonal Elimination ahead of the National Youth Games. At the Ministry of Sports, we have conducted a series of inspections at the various venues designated for the competition, and I can confirm that we are satisfied with the standards of our facilities,” he stated.
He further reminded coaches of the importance of fielding athletes strictly within the approved U-15 age category, in line with the objectives of the National Youth Games, which is designed to discover and nurture young sporting talent.
“I urge all our coaches to take advantage of the home advantage and ensure we qualify our teams for the main event in Asaba,” he added.
The two-day zonal elimination will be held across five venues within Akwa Ibom State:
Uyo Township Stadium, West Itam Sports Center, Q.I.C Group School, Nung Ukot Itam, Community Secondary Commercial School, Itu, Aka Community Secondary School, Aka Offot, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State will compete in eight (8) out of the ten (10) approved sports, which include:
Football, Volleyball
Hockey, Beach Volleyball, Basketball, Cricket, Handball, Rugby. Other sports approved for the competition but not listed among the state’s participating events include Baseball/Softball and Abula.
With preparations nearing completion, Akwa Ibom stands poised to host a successful zonal elimination and aims to make a strong impression ahead of the national games in Delta State.