By Victor Kanayo
There appears to be postponement galore in various sporting events in Nigeria after officials of the country’s Ministry of Sports development announced a new date for the 2023 National Youth Games (NYG).
The shift in date between September 10 and 17 to September 20 to 30 was disclosed on Monday, a day after the organisers of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) moved kick-off for the opening day match by one week.
On the postponement of NYG, a statement from the media depart of the Ministry said, “The Federal Ministry of Sports Development has announced September 20th – 30th, 2023 as the new date for the 7th edition of the National Youth Games, which will be held in Asaba, Delta State.
“The new date was confirmed after a meeting between the Ministry of Sports Development and the Chairman, Delta State Sports Commission, Tonobok Okowa which took place in Abuja, on Monday.”
The Ministry stated that the change in date was to allow more time for the operationalisation of plans towards hosting a successful youth games fiesta.
It added that the Games will serve as a precursor to celebrate the nation’s 63rd Independence Anniversary, which will be marked on October 1st, 2023.
Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) curtain raiser fixture in Ibadan will be the only game to hold on the opening day of the 2023/24 season.
League Shift
Also speaking, NPFL Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, said the fresh decision was also necessitated by the Super Eagles match on Sunday, September 10 in Uyo.
“Some of our clubs prefer playing their home matches on Sundays to attract a full house of fans and we cannot start from the first day to have scattered fixtures hence all other games apart from the curtain raiser have been moved to the following weekend,” he added.
