The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Chief Bukola Olopade, has reaffirmed that the 23rd National Sports Festival will hold as scheduled, with major facilities in Enugu nearing completion ahead of the November 28 opening ceremony.
Olopade gave the assurance after an inspection tour of facilities in the Coal City, expressing satisfaction with the level of work at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and other venues designated 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 have been secured as preparations enter the final phase.
“In the coming days the tartan track will be laid, buses to move the athletes are ready,” he said.
Reacting to speculations that the festival might be postponed, the NSC boss faulted the rumours, stressing that the authorities have been clear about their stance on the event.
“When Lagos asked for postponement, we came out confidently to tell the public. Heaven did not fall,” Olopade stated.
“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 most highly-sponsored National Sports Festival in history, with sponsorship expected to hit between ₦12 billion and ₦15 billion.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to declare the festival open on November 28, with about 12,000 athletes and officials expected to arrive in Enugu from November 26.
Olopade commended Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, for his commitment to hosting the games, 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 in various sporting disciplines.
With key facilities nearing completion and sponsorship prospects on the rise, Olopade maintained that preparations are on track for the festival to hold as scheduled.
