By Ado Salisu
The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has disclosed that the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will personally declare the 23rd National Sports Festival, Coal City Games Enugu 2026, open.
According to him, Mr. President’s personal attendance underscores the importance the present administration attaches to sports development as a veritable tool for national unity, youth empowerment and economic growth.
Speaking at the end of the Joint Technical Meeting of Directors of Sports from the various states, members of the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the Coal City Games Enugu 2026, held at the Best Western Plus Hotel, Nza Street Independence Layout Enugu, after inspection of venues and facilities for the festival, Olopade said the flag-off date is sacrosanct as Enugu is good to go. Hon. Olopade made this declaration on Wednesday, October 29, 2026, in Enugu, while addressing stakeholders at the Joint Technical Meeting and during the inspection of venues for the Festival.
The DG, who led a high-powered delegation of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Local Organising Committee (LOC), National Sports Federation Secretaries and Technical Directors, Zonal Coordinators and Directors of Sports from the 36 States, said the technical meeting was highly productive and resolved critical issues relating to the successful hosting of the Games.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE DG’S ADDRESS:
Festival Date Confirmed: Hon. Olopade officially confirmed that the Coal City Games will open on November 28, 2026, with contingents expected to start arriving from November 26.
Facilities Ready and Upgraded: The DG disclosed that major concerns raised about facilities have been addressed.
He revealed that after direct engagement with contractors handling the upgrade of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and other venues, work has fully mobilized.
He assured that:
-The renovation and branding of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium will transform it completely – “You will not recognize the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium as you used to know it.”
– The Swimming Pool will be fully ready for use by November 18, 2026.
– The project, which is being funded by the Federal Government, started about 4-5 weeks ago and is on track.
Funding and Equipment: The DG confirmed that funds are ready to be released to the LOC and MOC, and that equipment that previously raised concerns have been procured and will be deployed.
Commendation to Enugu State: Hon. Olopade commended the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Lloyd Ekweremadu for their hard work, resilience and commitment to delivering a world-class Festival.
He described Enugu as a great and secure sporting city and urged Nigerians to disregard negative narratives, stating that Nigeria has shown resilience and capacity to host major sporting events.
“This is a profound National Sports Festival for me. For so many reasons. What we have seen in Enugu gives us confidence. The people of Enugu are enthusiastic and eagerly waiting to welcome all of us to this wonderful, great city,” he said.
He concluded by appreciating all stakeholders, federation officials, the NSC team, and the media for their support and assured that, in his capacity as Chairman of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) for the Enugu 2026 National Sports Festival, the Committee will continue to work across board with the host state and all relevant stakeholders to upgrade facilities and ensure a successful and memorable Festival.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Barr. Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu, welcomed officials of the National Sports Commission, Directors of Sports from across the federation, Technical Directors of various sports and Secretaries of Sports Federations to Enugu. He thanked them for their diligence to details and assured that their observations will be corrected to ensure everything is in shape before the opening ceremony.
Earlier, the Secretary of the Main Organizing Committee (MOC), Director of Festival and Para-Sports, National Sports Commission, Mrs. Thecla Opara, highlighted observations from the inspection and technical teams and urged the Enugu State Government to effect necessary corrections, noting that Enugu was ready.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Coal City Games Enugu 2026, Mr. Bamiduro Olumide, assured that all observations will be looked into to ensure a successful festival.
The Coal City Games Enugu 2026 is expected to host about 12,000 athletes and officials from across the Federation.