By Ado Salisu
The National Sports Commission has commended the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for the infrastructural upgrade across the state and his commitment to delivering a world-class 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged Coal City Games, Enugu 2026.
The Commission’s Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, expressed appreciation to the Governor for personally monitoring preparations and reaffirming that the Festival will commence as scheduled from November 27 – December 11, 2026.
“We thank and sincerely appreciate the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for the remarkable infrastructural facelift happening across Enugu State and his commitment to ensuring that the Festival takes place as scheduled.”
“The National Sports Festival is the Nigerian Olympics. Its impact transcends sports. It impacts the economy at the micro and macro levels, creates wealth, stimulates small businesses, creates jobs and promotes national unity, tourism and hospitality.”
Governor Mbah gave the assurance during an inspection of the Awgu Games Village, where a 1,000-capacity-bed hostel, indoor and outdoor courts, a standard FIFA pitch and an eight-lane athletics track are under construction.
“Recall the commitment we made as a government that we are going to make the 23rd National Sports Festival one of the most memorable festivals in the history of the event,” Governor Mbah said.
He also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to meeting the November 27 opening date.
“These facilities will be ready. I have personally committed to the team from the National Sports Commission, who came on a monitoring visit, that we are not interested in shifting the date. The dates are already fixed for the 23rd National Sports Festival.”
The Governor also stated that the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium is undergoing comprehensive reconstruction, including a new FIFA-standard football pitch and athletics track, upgraded spectator stands, changing rooms, floodlighting, access-control systems and other modern facilities.
Hon. Olopade said the investment would create a lasting legacy beyond the Festival. The NSC reaffirmed its continued collaboration with the Enugu State Government and the Local Organising Committee towards a successful 23rd National Sports Festival.