Team Akwa Ibom booked their place at the 9th National Youth Games after defeating Rivers State 2-0 in the South-South elimination match on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the Uyo Township Stadium.
Goals from Divine Imoh and Prince Iwat secured Akwa Ibom’s qualification as one of two teams from the South-South zone for the football event at the Games, scheduled to take place in Asaba, Delta State, from August 29 to September 6.
Bayelsa State are the other qualifiers from the zone, having also beaten Rivers 2-0 in the opening match of the eliminations in Uyo.
With both teams already assured of their places at the national finals, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa will meet at 4pm at the Uyo Township Stadium in a clash to decide who tops the standings.
Meanwhile, Akwa Ibom will return to the National Youth Games with hopes of a medal finish, after previously winning bronze at the 8th edition held in Asaba, Delta State.
