The 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged “Coal City Games,” is scheduled to take place from November 27 to December 11, 2026, in Enugu State. Governor Dr. Peter Mbah has expressed his commitment to making the event one of the most memorable in its history. He made this statement during a tour of the Awgu Games Village, one of the venues for the festival.
During the tour, Governor Mbah assessed the quality and speed of work at the site, emphasizing that the Awgu Games Village, which had been abandoned for a long time, would be transformed into a world-standard sports facility within two months. The governor noted that his administration is not just building for the NSF but also developing sports facilities in line with his campaign promise to make Enugu State a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism, and living.
The Awgu Games Village is currently undergoing significant renovations, including the construction of a one-thousand-capacity-bed hostel, outdoor and indoor courts, a standard FIFA pitch, and an eight-lane track. These facilities are being built to world-class standards, and Governor Mbah is confident that they will be ready within the set timeline. He emphasized that the project must be completed on time, as the festival dates are fixed.
In addition to the Awgu Games Village, the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium is also receiving a comprehensive upgrade to a FIFA-standard stadium. The upgrade includes the installation of a new FIFA-standard football pitch, a new athletics track, and the rehabilitation of spectator seats. The stadium gates and access-control system are being upgraded to an electronic system, and new LCD scoreboards, perimeter LED display boards, and protective perimeter mesh fencing are being installed.
Governor Mbah's administration is committed to transforming the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium complex into a modern, world-class multi-sport facility. The upgrade also includes the construction of a new Olympic-size swimming pool, the transformation of the Indoor Sports Hall, and the construction and upgrade of indoor and outdoor sporting facilities. These developments aim to provide a memorable experience for athletes and officials during the festival.
The governor was accompanied on the tour by several key officials, 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 Governor Mbah for bringing life back to the Awgu Games Village and expressed optimism that the transformation of the village would have a positive impact on the community.
With the ongoing developments, Enugu State is poised to host a successful and memorable 23rd National Sports Festival. The governor's commitment to delivering world-class facilities and ensuring a seamless experience for athletes and officials has raised expectations for the event. The festival is expected to promote sports development, social cohesion, and economic growth in the state.
Key points
- Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has assured that his administration is committed to delivering a world-class and memorable 23rd National Sports Festival.
- The 23rd National Sports Festival is scheduled to take place from November 27 to December 11, 2026, in Enugu State.
- The Awgu Games Village and the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium are undergoing significant renovations to meet world-class standards.
