ENUGU 2026: Olopade Insists Festival Will Hold as Facilities Near Completion

The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has insisted that the 23rd National Sports Festival will go ahead as scheduled, with key sporting facilities in Enugu nearing completion ahead of the November 28 opening ceremony.

Olopade gave the assurance after inspecting facilities in the Coal City, expressing satisfaction with the progress of work at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and other venues earmarked for the multi-sport event.

He disclosed that the swimming pool is expected to be ready by November 18, adding that funding and equipment for the festival had been secured as preparations enter their final phase.

“In the coming days the tartan track will be laid, buses to move the athletes are ready.”

Reacting to suggestions that the festival could be postponed, the NSC boss criticised the speculation, insisting that the authorities had already communicated their position on the event.

“When Lagos asked for postponement, we came out confidently to tell the public. Heaven did not fall,” Olopade said.

“Suggesting that it will be postponed after announcement from Enugu State and NSC suggests that we are deceiving the nation. NOT NICE AT ALL.”

The DG also revealed that Enugu 2026 is projected to become the highest-sponsored National Sports Festival in history, with sponsorship expected to reach between ₦12 billion and ₦15 billion.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to declare the festival open on November 28, with approximately 12,000 athletes and officials scheduled to arrive in Enugu from November 26.

Olopade commended Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for his commitment to hosting the event, describing the state as a secure and welcoming destination for athletes and other stakeholders.

Tagged Enugu 2026, the festival will bring together athletes from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to compete across various sporting disciplines.

With key facilities approaching completion and sponsorship prospects strengthening, Olopade maintained that preparations were on course for the festival to hold as scheduled.