Preparations for the 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged Coal City Games Enugu 2026, received a major boost on Wednesday as the Enugu State Government officially inaugurated the festival’s Local Organising Committee (LOC).
The inauguration ceremony, held in Enugu, marks another significant step in the state’s build-up towards hosting Nigeria’s biggest multi-sport event in 2026.
Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, praised Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for his swift commitment and proactive approach towards delivering a successful festival.
“With the inauguration of this high-powered Local Organising Committee, we are confident that the Coal City Games Enugu 2026 will raise the bar in excellence, inclusion and legacy,” Olopade said.
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“The calibre of individuals on this committee reflects the seriousness with which Enugu is approaching this national assignment. The National Sports Commission is fully aligned and will provide all necessary support to ensure a seamless festival that inspires hope, talent discovery and national unity.”
Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu Jr.
The committee is chaired by Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu Jr, and features respected names from Nigerian sports administration, athlete representation and event management.
Among the notable members are former Nigerian sprint star Mary Onyali, sports lawyer Aku Akazu, elite athlete Victor Okorie and Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Davidson Owumi.
Others include:
- Bamiduro Olumide — Secretary General and former national badminton champion
- Blessing Chisalam Ekwe — COO of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria and FIFA-licensed agent
- Tony Ugwu — Chairman of the Enugu State Football Association
- Henry Chinedu Okorie — Executive Member of the Nigeria Olympic Committee
- Jonathan Nnaji — President of the Nigeria Modern Pentathlon Federation
- Boniface Onovo — Director of Organizing, Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports
- Ephraim Ochonma — Director of Coaching, Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports
- Obiora Obasi — Technical Assistant to the Commissioner
The committee has been tasked with delivering a world-class National Sports Festival that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the area of sports development and economic growth.
His Excellency Peter Ndubisi Mba, Governor of Enugu state.
According to the governor, Enugu State will construct a new Games Village to accommodate athletes and officials, while existing stadiums across the state will be remodeled into modern facilities capable of hosting international sporting events.
The state also plans to build additional sporting facilities designed to support grassroots and year-round sports development beyond the festival itself.
Mbah further stressed the importance of promoting local content by prioritizing local contractors, vendors and creatives during preparations and throughout the event.
The initiative is expected to stimulate the state economy while showcasing Enugu’s culture and hospitality on a national stage.
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Often referred to as Nigeria’s “Olympics,” the National Sports Festival remains the country’s premier multi-sport competition, bringing together athletes from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
With preparations now gathering momentum, Enugu is positioning itself to host one of the most ambitious editions of the festival in recent history.
