Enugu State has been announced as the host of the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival, billed for 2026.
The National Sports Commission, after its top management meeting revealed. In a Press Release by the Sports Commission, signed by Special Assistant on Media Kola Daniel, the Coal City State emerged top from a competitive bidding process, and the state is set to deliver a world-class event.
Before Enugu State takes center stage, the 22nd edition of the festival is set to be held in January 2025 in Ogun State, with the Gateway State buzzing with pomp and pageantry as the Games draw closer.
Honourable Bukola Olopade, the former chairman of the Local Organizing Committee and current NSC Director General, revealed that the Gateway Games would host over 15,000 athletes. He reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to supporting Ogun State in delivering a premium tournament.
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, while unearthing talents good enough to fly the flag of the nation internationally.
This marks the first time the South-Eastern State will be staging the event since its inception in 1973.
The 21st edition of the Games was hosted by Asaba, Delta State, with over 11,000 athletes participating in the grand tournament.
With Ogun State billed to host the next edition of the games in January next year, it also marks the first time the host of the subsequent Games is known before the end of the current Festival.
This development will give Enugu state enough time to prepare adequately for the games and enhance the Corporate image of the Festival.
The National Sports Festival, a biennial multi-sports event, brings together thousands of athletes from Nigeria’s 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory to celebrate sportsmanship, nati, unity, and sporting excellence.