Young athletes bear the brunt as poor welfare, power outage, unsafe hostels hit National Youth Games in Asaba

The 2025 National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State have barely kicked off, but the athletes—many of them under 15—are already grappling with difficult living conditions that threaten to overshadow the competition.

At Dennis Osadebe University, where most of the participants are lodged, welfare concerns have become the main talking point. On Wednesday night, athletes and officials were left in darkness following a power cut. University staff revealed that the institution is owing electricity bills, and the supplier disconnected power during the Games to press for payment.

Mealtimes have been another source of frustration. Many of the youngsters openly rejected the food served, with some leaving their plates untouched. “The children are rejecting the food because of the soup, it’s watery,” one coach told our Correspondent. Leftover meals were later seen dumped around the hostels.

Accommodation is equally poor, with many athletes forced to share or sleep without proper mattresses. The organising committee has promised to supply more beds, but the shortage has already made the first nights uncomfortable for athletes and officials alike.

Safety concerns are also mounting. Staircases in some of the hostels have broken or missing rails, posing a serious risk for children staying in the facilities. Officials say the matter has been reported to organisers, who are expected to act swiftly before accidents occur.

Observers have compared the current situation in Delta State with the successful hosting of the recent National Sports Festival in Ogun State, where athletes were accommodated at Babcock University under far better conditions.

Despite the chaos, coaches were seen on Thursday morning gathering their teams in small groups, encouraging them to stay focused on the competition.

An official from Taraba State admitted the challenges are worrying but remained hopeful. “I pray respite comes so the athletes can compete without distractions and the aim of the Games is achieved,” he said.

The 9th National Youth Games, which welcomed arrivals on 26 and 27 August, will run until 7 September in Asaba.