Over 1,200 athletes and officials from across the North Central region are set to converge on Ilorin for the zonal elimination of team sports ahead of the 9th National Youth Sports Festival (NYSF) scheduled for Delta State later in the year. The zonal event, originally billed for Nasarawa State, was saved at the last minute by Kwara State after Nasarawa failed to meet hosting obligations. Kwara Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, directed the state to underwrite the costs to ensure the competition held without disruption. Zonal Coordinator, Saka Akeem, hailed the swift intervention, describing Kwara’s readiness as a “lifeline” for the festival. “We are immensely grateful to Governor Abdulrazaq for saving the day. “Our impression so far since arrival has been very positive,” he said. Nine sporting disciplines will be contested in Ilorin, with only two teams in each sport advancing to the NYSF finals in Delta. The sports include Abula, Cricket, Handball, Beach Volleyball, Baseball/Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Rugby, and Hockey. While participation from Benue State remains uncertain, Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Plateau, Kogi, Niger, and hosts Kwara have confirmed readiness to feature in the eliminations. Screening of athletes, strictly capped at 15 years and below, began on Saturday with matches scheduled to run through to Monday. Kwara’s Director of Sports at the State Sports Commission, Coach Ibrahim Bako, assured that the state is fully prepared despite the late notice. “Kwara is always ready. That’s why we remain the leading sports state in the North Central and among the top five nationwide at the NYSF,” he noted. Beyond competition, the eliminations are seen as a platform for youth empowerment, talent discovery, and grassroots sports development in the region. By offering young athletes exposure to national-level contests, the event is expected to boost confidence, discipline, and professional pathways for many teenagers. Sports analysts say the festival has become a vital talent pipeline, especially for states in the North Central zone where limited professional leagues make opportunities scarce. Hosting responsibilities also bring economic and social benefits, as local hotels, transport operators, and small businesses in Ilorin are already recording a surge in patronage. For states like Plateau, Niger, and Kogi, the event provides young athletes with the chance to measure themselves against their peers in structured competition, helping states refine grassroots programmes. Meanwhile, FCT’s participation continues its tradition of nurturing young talent, many of whom eventually graduate into national teams. The National Youth Sports Festival remains Nigeria’s biggest avenue for unearthing future stars in football, basketball, athletics, and other sports. Many past participants have gone on to represent Nigeria internationally, reinforcing the competition’s significance in the country’s sports development agenda.