Mary Onyali Emphasizes Importance of National Youth Games In Discovering Future Athletes

Five-time Olympian, Mary Onyali, has underscored the significance of the National Youth Games (NYG) as a vital platform for identifying the “next generation” of athletes for Nigeria.

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The 7th edition of the NYG is currently underway in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, and Onyali believes that the country will reap the benefits of the Games in the near future, SPORTS247.NG reports.

Mary Onyali, who represented Nigeria in five consecutive editions of the Olympic Games from Seoul ’88 through Athens 2004, is renowned as Nigeria’s golden girl on the track. She achieved remarkable success, winning the famous ‘golden bronze’ at the Barcelona ’92 Olympics in the 4x100m relay and another bronze in the 200m event four years later at Atlanta ’96.

Onyali also secured a gold medal for Nigeria at the 1994 Commonwealth Games and emerged as the most celebrated Nigerian athlete when Abuja hosted the All African Games in 2003.

In a conversation with The Guardian, Onyali expressed her belief that the Asaba 2023 National Youth Games will play a significant role in nurturing new talents for the country. She emphasized that coaches should be vigilant in identifying young athletes with the potential to become future stars.

According to reports, an advance team comprising representatives from 30 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has already gathered in Asaba in anticipation of the official opening ceremony, which is scheduled to take place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.

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Chief Tonobok Okowa, Chairman of the local organizing committee for the Games, announced that four emerging musicians will entertain spectators during the opening and closing ceremonies.

Boy Spyce and May D are set to perform at the opening ceremony, while Khaid and Cooler Lane will take the stage at the closing ceremony on September 30.

The National Youth Games serve as a vital breeding ground for identifying and nurturing young sporting talents in Nigeria, contributing to the nation’s future success on the international sports stage.

With the guidance of experienced figures like Mary Onyali, the Games play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of Nigerian athletes.