The Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, has confirmed that the 23rd National Sports Festival will take place as scheduled, starting on November 28 in Enugu. During an inspection of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and other venues, Olopade expressed satisfaction with the progress of work. Key facilities are nearing completion, and funding and equipment for the festival have been secured. Preparations are in the final phase.
Olopade disclosed that the swimming pool would be ready by November 18. He also mentioned that the tartan track will be laid, and buses to transport athletes are ready. The NSC boss criticised speculation about a possible postponement of the festival, saying the authorities had already made their position known. He cited a previous instance where Lagos requested a postponement, but the event went ahead as planned.
The Enugu 2026 edition is projected to become the highest-sponsored National Sports Festival in history. Sponsorship is expected to reach between ?12bn and ?15bn. President Bola Tinubu is expected to declare the festival open on November 28, while about 12,000 athletes and officials are scheduled to arrive in Enugu from November 26. Athletes from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory will compete in various disciplines.
Olopade commended Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, for his commitment to hosting the event. He described the state as a secure and welcoming destination for athletes and other stakeholders. The festival will feature competitions in multiple sports, with facilities being put in place to accommodate the large number of participants.
In a related development, the Normalisation Committee to spearhead major reform in Nigerian football has yet to be announced. Several recommended committee members did not pass the FIFA integrity test, causing a delay in the announcement. The committee will have between seven and nine members, with indications that there could be as many as two non-Nigerians on it.
Meanwhile, the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympics to be held on African soil, opened in Dakar, Senegal. The event features 2,665 young competitors aged 14 to 17 from around the world, competing in 25 sports and 153 medal events. The Games mark the return of Russian athletes to the Olympics and also include a refugee team.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, Kirsty Coventry, expressed her optimism about the Games, saying they will showcase Senegal's cultural richness and provide a positive experience for athletes and spectators alike. The event is being held across eight venues in three locations, with a total of 136 Senegalese athletes participating and 6,000 volunteers helping to put on the event.
Key points
- The 2026 National Sports Festival is set to commence on November 28 in Enugu, with over 12,000 athletes and officials expected to participate.
