National Sports Commission (NSC) has chosen Enugu State as host of 23rd edition of National Sports Festival in 2026.
Gatekeepers News reports that NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade announced this through a statement released on Friday in Abuja.
The Director General said the decision was reached after a top management meeting of the NSC, adding that Enugu emerged from a competitive bidding process and the state is set to deliver a world-class event.
National Sports Festival is a biennial multi-sports event that brings together thousands of athletes from the 36 states and FCT to celebrate sportsmanship, national unity, and sporting excellence.
Meanwhile, the 22nd edition of the festival is scheduled to be held in January 2025 with Ogun as the host state.
Former chairman of the Local Organising Committee for Ogun 2025 NSF, Olopade revealed that the Games will host over 15,000 athletes.
Olopade reaffirmed NSC’s commitment to supporting Ogun in delivering a premium tournament.
The former chairman said that the early selection of Enugu State for 23rd edition of the Games was in line with international best practices.
He said, “With Enugu’s selection for the 23rd edition, the festival promises to uphold its legacy of excellence, inclusivity, and showcasing the best of Nigerian sports talent.”
“This marks the first time the South-Eastern State will be staging the event since its inception in 1973.”
Olopade noted that the early announcement of Enugu would give the state enough time to prepare adequately for the Games and also enhance corporate image of the Festival.
