EKO 2026: NSC Inspects Lagos Facilities Ahead of Maiden National Intermediate Games
Oru Leonard
The National Sports Commission (NSC), in collaboration with the Main Organising Committee (MOC) and Local Organising Committee (LOC), has intensified preparations for the maiden National Intermediate Games with a comprehensive inspection of sports facilities across Lagos.
The inspection, conducted on Saturday, was led by the NSC Head of Grassroots Development, Niyi Beyioku, while the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Development, Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, represented the Director General of the Commission.
The delegation commenced the exercise at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, where members of the LOC presented the stadium turf, indoor sports hall and other facilities for assessment.
The team also inspected facilities at 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 the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, which is being considered for the opening and closing ceremonies.
The inspection was followed by a technical meeting involving the MOC and LOC, where operational, technical and logistical issues concerning the Games were reviewed.
The maiden National Intermediate Games is scheduled for Lagos from October 1 to 15, 2026, with athletes expected to arrive from October 1 and the Opening Ceremony slated for October 5.
A total of 28 sports have been listed for the competition, which is aimed at providing a major platform for identifying, nurturing and developing young sporting talents across the country.
The Games will feature athletes in the Under-19 category, comprising those born between January 1, 2008 and September 30, 2011. Participants are expected from all 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory and Nigerian athletes in the diaspora competing as a single contingent.
The facility inspection, according to the organisers, is part of efforts to ensure that sporting venues, technical arrangements and operational structures meet the required standards for a safe, competitive and successful maiden edition.
Members of the inspection delegation included Yusuf Alli, Olalekan Alabi and Kola Daniel, Special Adviser on Media to the NSC Director General, alongside other officials of the Commission, MOC and LOC.
The National Intermediate Games, organised under the authority of the National Sports Commission, is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s grassroots sports development programme while creating a pathway for emerging athletes to progress into elite national and international competition.
(NSC Media)
