Tinubu to Open Enugu 2026 Sports Festival as NSC Confirms Readiness

By Samuel Akpan

President Bola Tinubu is to declare open the 23rd National Sports Festival, “Coal City Games Enugu 2026,” on November 28, NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade announced, noting the administration’s focus on sports for unity, youth empowerment and growth.

Olopade made the disclosure in Enugu after venue inspections and a Joint Technical Meeting of state sports directors, MOC and LOC officials at Best Western Plus Hotel.

“The flag-off date is sacrosanct as Enugu is good to go,” he said, confirming contingents arrival as from November 26.

Leading a high-powered team including federation secretaries, technical directors and zonal coordinators from all 36 states, Olopade said the meeting resolved critical hosting issues.

 “What we have seen in Enugu gives us confidence,” he added.

Major facility concerns have been addressed after direct talks with contractors.

Work on Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and other venues is fully mobilised, with the Federal Government-funded upgrade on track after starting four to five weeks ago.

“You will not recognize the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium as you used to know it,” Olopade added.

The swimming pool will be ready by November 18, funds are set for release to the LOC and MOC, and previously flagged equipment has been procured for deployment.

He lauded Enugu Governor Dr. Peter Mbah and Youth and Sports Commissioner Lloyd Ekweremadu for their resilience and commitment to a world-class festival.

“This is a profound National Sports Festival for me the people of Enugu are enthusiastic and eagerly waiting to welcome all of us to this wonderful, great city,” he said, describing Enugu as a secure sporting city and urging Nigerians to ignore negative narratives given the country’s proven hosting capacity.

As MOC Chairman, Olopade assured stakeholders, federation officials, the NSC team and media of continued collaboration with the host state to upgrade facilities for a successful and memorable event.

Commissioner Ekweremadu welcomed the delegation and pledged all observations would be fixed before opening.

MOC Secretary Mrs. Thecla Opara flagged inspection findings and urged corrections while affirming Enugu’s readiness while LOC Secretary Bamiduro Olumide promised that all the observation would be addressed.

The festival is expected to host about 12,000 athletes and officials.