Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has assured that his administration is committed to delivering a world-class and memorable 23rd National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged “Coal City Games.” The festival is scheduled to take place from November 27th to December 11th, 2026. Mbah made this statement during a tour of the Awgu Games Village, one of the venues slated for the NSF. He expressed satisfaction with the quality and speed of work at the site.
The Awgu Games Village, which had long been abandoned, is undergoing massive transformation and is expected to emerge as a world-standard sports facility in less than two months. Mbah emphasized that his administration is not just building for the NSF, but also aims to make Enugu State a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism, and living. The Governor highlighted that sports is not just recreation and social cohesion, but also a veritable tool for economic growth if well harnessed.
During the tour, Mbah inspected various facilities, including a one-thousand-capacity-bed hostel, outdoor and indoor courts, a standard FIFA pitch, and an eight-lane track. He stressed that the project must be ready within a tight timeline and that the Awgu Games Village will become a world-class Games Village in less than two months. The Governor also mentioned that the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium is receiving serious attention and is being upgraded to a FIFA-standard stadium.
The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium is undergoing comprehensive reconstruction and transformation, including the installation of a new FIFA-standard football pitch and athletics track. The stadium's spectator seats are being rehabilitated and replaced, and a new roofing and canopy system is being constructed. Additionally, the VIP and VVIP stands, players' changing rooms, and other associated facilities are being upgraded. The stadium gates and access-control system are also being upgraded to an electronic system.
Mbah's administration is committed to providing a memorable experience for athletes, officials, and everyone involved in the management of the Games. He emphasized that the development of sports facilities is in line with his campaign promise to make Enugu State a hub for investment, business, tourism, and living. The Governor also highlighted that the transformation of the Awgu Games Village will speed up the development of the local government and the state.
Several high-ranking officials accompanied Mbah during the tour, including the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, and the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Osita Okoh. The Chairman of Awgu Local Government Council, Hon. Uchenna Okolo, commended Mbah for bringing life back to Awgu Games Village and noted that the transformation will have a positive impact on the local government and the state.
The 23rd National Sports Festival is expected to feature contingents from across the country, and Mbah's administration is working tirelessly to ensure that the event is a success. With the ongoing transformation of sports facilities, Enugu State is poised to host a world-class event that will leave a lasting legacy.
Key points
- Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah inspects facilities for the 23rd National Sports Festival.
- The Awgu Games Village is undergoing massive transformation and is expected to emerge as a world-standard sports facility in less than two months.
- The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium is being upgraded to a FIFA-standard stadium, with comprehensive reconstruction and transformation underway.
