Ado Salisu
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation in Enugu State ahead of the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival, scheduled to hold in 2026.
The NSC inspection team, led by the Secretary of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) and Director of the National Sports Festival, Mrs. Thecla Opara, conducted a comprehensive tour of sporting facilities across Enugu. The team was warmly received by the Secretary of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Mr. Olumide Bamiduro, alongside other key state officials.
Speaking after the assessment, Mrs. Opara said the visit formed part of the Commission’s ongoing monitoring and evaluation exercise to ensure all venues meet national and international standards.
“Our mission here was to assess the level of readiness of facilities ahead of the 2026 National Sports Festival. We are impressed with what we have seen — several facilities are already in good condition, while others are progressing rapidly,” she noted.
“The commitment and work being put in by the Enugu State Government and the LOC are commendable. With this momentum, we are confident that Enugu will deliver one of the best National Sports Festivals in history.”
Mrs. Opara further applauded the Enugu State Government under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah for its dedication and collaboration with the NSC in driving the project forward.
In his remarks, Mr. Bamiduro expressed appreciation to the NSC for entrusting Enugu with the hosting rights, describing the event as “a festival of experience.”
“We thank the NSC for giving Enugu State the privilege to host the 23rd National Sports Festival. This is more than a sporting event for us; it is an opportunity to showcase Enugu’s capacity, culture, and hospitality,” he said.
“Renovation and construction works are ongoing across venues, and we are fully committed to meeting all deadlines and providing world-class facilities for every sport.”
He added that the festival will celebrate not only sporting excellence but also Enugu’s rich cultural heritage, tourism potential, and welcoming spirit.
“Enugu is a State with history, hospitality, and passion. Everyone who comes here will experience something truly unique,” Bamiduro concluded.
During the visit, the inspection team toured several venues earmarked for various sporting events, including:
Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Complex
Enugu Sports Club
Enugu Golf Course
College of the Immaculate Conception
Enugu Sports Council
Post Primary Board Hall
The Base, Enugu
St. Patrick’s College, Emene
International Conference Centre
University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC)
Nike Lake Resort
Designated roads for cycling events
With preparations in full swing, the NSC reaffirmed its commitment to providing technical guidance and support to ensure that Enugu delivers a world-class, inclusive, and memorable National Sports Festival in 2026.