EKO 2026: National Sports Commission Inspects Facilities Ahead of 1st National Intermediate Game
The National Sports Commission (NSC), alongside members of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) and Local Organising Committee (LOC), on Saturday, undertook another round of inspection of facilities in Lagos ahead of the maiden National Intermediate Games, scheduled to hold from October 1 to 15, 2026.
The inspection tour began at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, where the delegation assessed the readiness and suitability of the facilities earmarked for the Games. The tour was led by the Head of Grassroots Development, Niyi, Beyioku ,with the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Development, Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, representing the Director General of the National Sports Commission.
Members of the LOC showcased key facilities, including the stadium turf, indoor sports hall and other sporting infrastructure, as the inspection team evaluated their preparedness for the competition.
The delegation subsequently inspected other major venues and facilities, including the National Stadium Complex, Surulere; National Institute for Sports (NIS); Rowe Park Sports Centre; Yaba College of Technology; University of Lagos sports facilities and hostels; Elegbata Sports Centre; the Cricket Oval at Tafawa Balewa Square; and Mobolaji Johnson Arena, which is being considered as the venue for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
Following the facility inspection, the MOC and LOC held a technical meeting to deliberate on key operational and technical matters and strengthen preparations for the successful delivery of the Games.
A total of 28 sports have been pencilled down for the maiden National Intermediate Games. Athletes are expected to arrive from October 1, while the Opening Ceremony is scheduled for October 5.
The National Intermediate Games is a multi-sport competition organised under the authority of the National Sports Commission to provide a platform for the development and identification of young sporting talents across Nigeria.
The Games are specifically designed for athletes in the U-19 category, comprising athletes born between January 1, 2008, and September 31, 2011.
The competition will bring together athletes from all 36 States of the Federation, the Federal Capital Territory, as well as diaspora athletes competing as one contingent, in Lagos for two weeks of sporting competition.
Notable members of the inspection delegation included Yusuf Alli, Olalekan Alabi, and Kola Daniel (S.A. Media to the DG, National Sports Commission) alongside other officials of the NSC, MOC and LOC.
The inspection underscores the commitment of the organisers to ensuring that all facilities, technical arrangements and operational structures are in place for a safe, competitive and successful maiden edition of the National Intermediate Games.
