By Ado Salisu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to personally declare the 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged Coal City Games Enugu 2026, open on November 28, as preparations for the national sporting event gather momentum.
The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, disclosed this while confirming Enugu State’s readiness to host the festival.
Olopade spoke on Wednesday, October 29, 2026, in Enugu, after a joint technical meeting involving directors of sports from the 36 states, members of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and other stakeholders.
The meeting, held at Best Western Plus Hotel, Nza Street, Independence Layout, Enugu, followed an inspection of venues and facilities scheduled for the festival.
The NSC Director-General said the technical meeting was productive, adding that critical issues concerning the successful hosting of the Games had been addressed.
He confirmed that the festival would officially open on November 28, while participating contingents were expected to begin arriving on November 26.
Facilities Undergoing Upgrades
Olopade disclosed that major concerns raised during previous inspections had been addressed, following engagements with contractors handling the renovation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and other sporting facilities.
He said work had fully mobilised at the stadium and assured stakeholders that the renovation and branding would significantly transform the facility.
According to him, the swimming pool is expected to be ready for use by November 18.
The Director-General said the project, funded by the Federal Government, commenced about four to five weeks ago and remained on schedule.
He also confirmed that funds were ready for release to the MOC and LOC, while sporting equipment that had previously raised concerns had been procured and would be deployed for the festival.
NSC Commends Enugu Government
Olopade commended Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and the Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu, for their commitment, resilience and efforts towards delivering a successful festival.
He described Enugu as a secure and welcoming sporting destination, urging Nigerians to disregard negative narratives about the state’s preparedness.
The NSC Director-General said the enthusiasm of the people of Enugu and the progress recorded during the inspection had strengthened confidence in the state’s ability to host the event.
He added that the Main Organising Committee, which he chairs, would continue working with the host state and other stakeholders to upgrade facilities and ensure a successful and memorable festival.
Enugu Promises to Address Observations
In his remarks, the Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Barr. Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu, welcomed officials of the NSC, directors of sports from across the federation, technical directors and secretaries of sports federations.
He thanked the inspection and technical teams for their attention to detail and assured them that observations raised during the exercise would be addressed before the opening ceremony.
Earlier, the Secretary of the Main Organising Committee and Director of Festival and Para-Sports at the NSC, Mrs. Thecla Opara, presented observations from the inspection and technical teams.
She urged the Enugu State Government to make the necessary corrections, while acknowledging the state’s level of preparedness.
The Secretary of the Local Organising Committee for the Coal City Games Enugu 2026, Mr. Bamiduro Olumide, also assured stakeholders that all observations would be considered and addressed to ensure a successful festival.
The Coal City Games Enugu 2026 is expected to bring together approximately 12,000 athletes and officials from across the country.