National Intermediate Games: NSC Confirms Zonal Elimination Venues
Oru Leonard
The National Sports Commission (NSC), has confirmed that the zonal elimination tournament for team sports ahead of the inaugural National Intermediate Games will proceed as scheduled across the country from September 10 to 12, 2026.
The Commission reassured participating states and sports federations that the approved programme of activities remains in effect, with the zonal competitions expected to determine teams that will represent their respective zones at the National Intermediate Games.
Eleven team sports will feature in the elimination tournament. They are Abula, basketball, beach volleyball, cricket, football, handball, hockey, indoor volleyball, netball, rugby and wheelchair basketball.
The NSC said all competitions would be conducted in strict compliance with the approved Technical Manual as well as the rules and regulations governing the Games.
Confirmed Venues
The South South Zone will hold its elimination tournament at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, Cross River State, while the North West Zone will use the Murtala Muhammad Square in Kaduna.
For the North East Zone, competitions will take place at the August 27 Stadium, Damaturu, Yobe State, while the South West Zone will be hosted at Adamasingba Stadium, Oyo State.
In the Jos cluster of Plateau State, cricket and basketball events will be held at Rayfield, while beach volleyball will take place at St. John’s College.
Hockey competitions are scheduled for the Police Training Field along J.D. Gomwalk Road, while football will be played at the NTA TV College grounds. All other events within the Jos cluster will also take place at Rayfield.
The NSC said it remains committed to ensuring the seamless and successful delivery of the National Intermediate Games, while appreciating zonal coordinators, state sports councils, sports federations and partners for their cooperation and commitment to grassroots sports development.
The inaugural National Intermediate Games is scheduled to take place in the first quarter of 2027, with Lagos State set to host athletes from across the country.
