"No Water, No Power, No Beds: Athletes Endure Harsh Conditions at Asaba Youth Games"

"No Water, No Power, No Beds: Athletes Endure Harsh Conditions at Asaba Youth Games"

By Niyi Busari 

Serious concerns have emerged over the state of preparedness in Delta State as the 9th National Youth Games (NYG) faces widespread criticism just days before its official opening. Delegations from at least six states have reported substandard living conditions, poor welfare provisions, and unsafe infrastructure at the Games Village in Asaba, where over 6,300 young athletes are expected to compete, BSNSports.com.ng can report.

Athletes from Jigawa, Yobe, Osun, Edo, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory, who arrived on August 26 and 27, have been accommodated at Anglican Girls College on Nnebisi Road. However, reports indicate that the facility is far from ready, with no electricity, no running water, and inadequate sanitation two days after their arrival.

In interviews with BSN Sports, team officials expressed deep concern for the wellbeing of their athletes, most of whom are under the age of 15. One state delegation leader stated, "It’s not acceptable to keep children here for two days without electricity and water. It’s completely unsafe."

A member of the Local Organising Committee reportedly asked state officials to contribute funds to fuel a generator, promising only three hours of power supply during the night.

Meanwhile, construction work at key venues remains incomplete. A delegation official confirmed that painting of stadium gates only commenced on Thursday afternoon, and other renovations are still ongoing. “If the facilities are not ready, why did both the Delta State Government and the National Sports Commission allow the event to proceed?” he questioned.

Welfare and Safety Concerns Mount

The quality of meals provided has also drawn criticism. Multiple athletes reportedly refused the food served, citing poor preparation and lack of nutritional value. “The soup is watery; the children are not eating it,” a coach said anonymously. Leftover food was seen discarded around the dormitories.

Accommodation issues have further compounded the situation. Delegates report a severe shortage of mattresses, forcing some athletes and officials to sleep on bare floors. Organisers have since promised to deliver additional bedding before the end of the day.

In some hostels, staircases were found without handrails, raising serious safety concerns for the young participants. Officials have flagged the issue, urging the organising committee to urgently address the hazard to prevent potential injuries.

These conditions are a sharp contrast to the last National Sports Festival held in Ogun State, where athletes were hosted at Babcock University and provided with world-class accommodation and welfare support.

Calls for Immediate Action

Despite the logistical challenges, coaches were seen attempting to motivate their athletes on Thursday as the screening phase of the Games began.

An official from Taraba State expressed cautious optimism, saying, “We’re hoping that with all the complaints raised, improvements will be made soon so the athletes can focus on the competition.”

The 9th National Youth Games is scheduled to officially open on Friday, August 29, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, and will run until September 6.