Team Delta emerged on Thursday as the winner of the 8th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, amidst widespread allegations of age cheating.
The defending champion won 41 gold, 27 silver, and 30 bronze medals to emerge as the game’s winner.
A cross-section of sports writers and administrators who monitored the 11-day sporting event expressed disappointment at the organisation and outcome of the games.
Daniel Igali, president of the Wrestling Federation of Nigeria (WFN), told journalists at a news conference that age cheating was a major challenge in the nation’s effort to develop grassroots sports.
“As a nation, we must have to end this win-at-all-cost approach to tournaments.
“If Nigeria wants to do well in international events, we must take deliberate steps to eliminate age cheating.
“If we fail to address this, the aim of the youth tournament will be defeated because this idea of some states wanting to win at all costs is discrediting the efforts…