Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has assured that the state will deliver world-class facilities for the 2026 National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged “Coal City Games,” scheduled for November 27 to December 11. During a tour of the Awgu Games Village, Mbah assessed the quality and pace of work ahead of the festival. The governor emphasized that the facility, which had been abandoned for years, would be transformed into a world-class Games Village in less than two months.
The Awgu Games Village is undergoing significant renovations, including the construction of a 1,000-capacity hostel, indoor and outdoor courts, a standard FIFA football pitch, and an eight-lane athletics track. Mbah stressed that work is ongoing to meet the tight timeline, ensuring that the facility will be ready for the festival. The projects are part of his administration’s broader plan to position Enugu as a destination for investment, business, tourism, and living.
In addition to the Awgu Games Village, the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium is undergoing comprehensive reconstruction to transform it into a FIFA-standard, multi-sport facility. The upgrade includes a new FIFA-standard football pitch and athletics track, rehabilitation of spectator seats, a new roofing and canopy system, upgraded VIP and VVIP stands, and improved players’ changing rooms. The project also covers electronic access-control systems, new LCD scoreboards, perimeter LED displays, protective fencing, upgraded floodlights, and electrical and mechanical systems.
The reconstruction of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium complex also involves the construction of an Olympic-size swimming pool and upgrading the Indoor Sports Hall and facilities for volleyball, basketball, squash, and other sports. Mbah emphasized that the government is not simply renovating a football stadium but transforming the entire complex into a modern, world-class multi-sport facility. The governor highlighted the importance of sports as a tool for social cohesion and a significant business opportunity when properly developed.
Governor Mbah also emphasized the importance of the overall experience of athletes and officials, including accommodation and logistics. The government is working to ensure that all facilities are ready for the festival, which is expected to attract athletes and officials from across the country. Awgu Local Government Chairman Uchenna Okolo commended Mbah for reviving the Games Village, saying its transformation would support development in Awgu and the wider state.
The 2026 National Sports Festival is expected to be one of the most memorable festivals in the history of the event, according to Governor Mbah. The festival will feature various sports and activities, and the government is working to ensure that all facilities are ready to host the event. The governor’s administration is committed to making the festival a success, and the transformation of the Awgu Games Village and the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium complex is a testament to this commitment.
The 2026 National Sports Festival, tagged “Coal City Games,” is scheduled to take place from November 27 to December 11. The festival is expected to boost the economy of Enugu State and promote sports development in the country. With the governor’s assurance of world-class facilities, athletes and officials are expecting a memorable and successful event.
Key points
- Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah inspects facilities for 2026 National Sports Festival
- Awgu Games Village and Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium undergoing significant renovations
- 2026 National Sports Festival scheduled for November 27 to December 11
