Tinubu To Personally Open 23rd National Sports Festival In Enugu
President Bola Tinubu will personally declare the 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged Coal City Games Enugu 2026, open on November 28, in a major endorsement of Nigeria’s biggest national sporting event.
Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, disclosed this on Wednesday, October 29, at the end of a joint technical meeting involving Directors of Sports, members of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and other stakeholders in Enugu.
Olopade said the President’s planned attendance underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to sports as a vehicle for national unity, youth empowerment and economic development.
He confirmed that contingents are expected to begin arriving in Enugu on November 26, ahead of the opening ceremony two days later, insisting that the scheduled commencement date remains unchanged.
On preparations, the NSC boss expressed confidence that the state was ready to host the Games, disclosing that contractors handling the renovation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and other sporting facilities had fully mobilised.
He also assured that the swimming pool would be ready by November 18, adding that equipment previously identified as a concern had been procured and would soon be deployed.
According to him, funds are ready for release to the LOC and MOC to facilitate outstanding preparations.
Olopade commended Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu, for their commitment to delivering a successful festival.
He further described Enugu as a secure sporting destination, urging Nigerians to disregard negative narratives about the country's capacity to host major sporting competitions.
The Commissioner assured that observations raised during the inspection of venues would be addressed before the opening ceremony.
The 23rd National Sports Festival is expected to attract approximately 12,000 athletes and officials from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
