The 2025 National Youth Games rugby sevens tournament kicked off in thrilling fashion on Sunday, August 31, lighting up Asaba with a showcase of Nigeria’s finest under-15 rugby talent. Dominant performances from Delta, Edo, and Kano States headlined Day One, setting the stage for a high-stakes semi-final showdown on Monday, September 1.
Defending champions Edo State proved their pedigree in Pool A, dispatching Ogun State 15-0 and edging out Abia State 5-0 to top the group without conceding a point. Abia joined them in the semis after overpowering Ogun 12-0.
Host team Delta State thrilled the home crowd in Pool B with a dominant 28-0 victory over Rivers State. Despite the loss, Rivers qualified as runners-up.
Kano State stormed Pool A with 40 unanswered points, underlining their gold medal ambitions. Abia State secured the second semi-final spot.
In Pool B, Delta State won both matches without conceding, including a key victory over Edo State. Edo advanced as runners-up.
*Semi-Final Fixtures – Monday, September 1*
*Girls:*
– SF1: Edo vs Rivers
– SF2: Delta vs Abia
*Boys:*
– SF1: Kano vs Edo
– SF2: Delta vs Abia
Winners will battle for gold, while losing teams contest for bronze. Finals day will feature team walkouts, the national anthem, and medal presentations.
Dr. Ademola Are, President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, hailed the tournament’s quality: “The level of talent and passion displayed by these young athletes on Day One has been incredible. It reflects the growing depth of rugby in Nigeria. The NRFF is committed to nurturing these talents, and we expect an even more thrilling finals day. This is exactly the platform needed to build the future of Nigerian rugby.”
