Tinubu To Declare 23rd National Sports Festival Open In Enugu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will personally declare the 23rd National Sports Festival, Coal City Games Enugu 2026, open, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, has said.

According to a statement signed by Zira Zakka Nagga, Head of Press and Public Relations Unit, National Sports Commission, Olopade disclosed this on Wednesday, October 29, 2026, in Enugu at the end of the Joint Technical Meeting of Directors of Sports, members of the Main Organising Committee, the Local Organising Committee, and other stakeholders, held at Best Western Plus Hotel, Independence Layout, after an inspection of venues and facilities.

He said the President’s personal attendance underscores the administration’s commitment to sports as a tool for national unity, youth empowerment, and economic growth. He added that the flag-off date is sacrosanct and that Enugu is ready to host the Games.

Olopade confirmed that the festival will open on November 28, 2026, with contingents expected to begin arriving from November 26. He said the technical meeting was productive and resolved critical issues relating to the successful hosting of the event.

On facilities, the NSC DG said major concerns have been addressed. He said contractors handling the upgrade of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and other venues have fully mobilised, adding that the stadium’s renovation and branding will transform it completely. He also assured that the swimming pool will be ready by November 18, 2026, and that the Federal Government-funded project, which began about four to five weeks ago, is on track.

Olopade said funds are ready to be released to the LOC and MOC, while equipment that had raised concerns has been procured and will be deployed. He commended Enugu State Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu, for their commitment to delivering a world-class festival.

He described Enugu as a secure sporting city and urged Nigerians to disregard negative narratives, saying the country has demonstrated the capacity to host major sporting events.

Commissioner Ekweremadu welcomed the NSC officials, Directors of Sports, technical directors, and federation secretaries, and assured that observations from the inspection teams would be addressed before the opening ceremony.

MOC Secretary and Director of Festival and Para-Sports, Thecla Opara, highlighted observations from the inspection and technical teams and urged the state government to effect necessary corrections. LOC Secretary Bamiduro Olumide also assured that all observations would be addressed.

The Coal City Games Enugu 2026 is expected to host about 12,000 athletes and officials from across the Federation.