Tayo Ogunseye
The National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Enugu State Government are stepping up preparations for the 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged **“Coal City Games, Enugu 2026,”** with the Main Organising Committee (MOC) scheduled to inspect facilities across the state later this month.
The MOC delegation, led by the Director General of the NSC and Chairman of the MOC, **Hon. Bukola Olopade**, is expected to arrive in Enugu on August 25, while the inspection of competition and training venues will take place on August 26 and 27.
The exercise will focus on the readiness of sports facilities, accommodation, transportation and logistics arrangements, supporting infrastructure and other key requirements ahead of the Games.
According to the NSC, the inspection will also enable the MOC and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) to assess the progress of preparations, identify areas that require attention and agree on measures to ensure that outstanding facilities and operational structures are completed within the stipulated timelines.
Meanwhile, the LOC is scheduled to unveil the official **Coal City Games logo and mascot on August 28**, following the conclusion of the facility inspection.
The inspection is part of the ongoing collaboration between the NSC and the Enugu State Government to ensure that preparations for the national sporting fiesta remain on course and meet the required standards.
The NSC expressed confidence that the joint efforts of the MOC and LOC would lead to a successful hosting of the 23rd National Sports Festival in line with internationally accepted standards and further promote Nigeria’s sporting heritage.
