LAGOS SET TO WELCOME 15,000 YOUNG ATHLETES FOR INAUGURAL NATIONAL INTERMEDIATE GAMES

Lagos State is preparing to host about 15,000 young athletes from across Nigeria for the maiden National Intermediate Games, tagged EKO 2026, as the country seeks to strengthen the pathway from grassroots sports to elite competition.

The 15-day sporting event is scheduled to take place from October 1 to 15, 2026, with athletes between the ages of 15 and 18 expected to participate. The competition was introduced by the National Sports Commission to provide young talents with structured opportunities to develop their abilities before progressing to senior-level competitions.

The University of Lagos has been designated as the main host institution for the Games, with about 15,000 young athletes expected to be accommodated on its campus during the competition.

According to the National Sports Commission, the age bracket targeted by the Games is crucial in athlete development, as promising young sportsmen and women require regular high-level competition, monitoring and support to successfully make the transition to elite sports.

All 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to take part in the Games, competing across 31 sporting events in 28 sports.

The Local Organising Committee has promised to deliver an event capable of setting a new standard for youth sporting competitions in Nigeria. Lagos was selected to host the inaugural edition after being awarded the hosting rights by the National Sports Commission.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Sam Egube, said the state was determined to organise a memorable competition. He noted that Lagos has a long history of hosting major sporting events, having hosted the first National Sports Festival in 1973.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had earlier assured that Lagos would host the competition to a high standard, while the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, expressed confidence in the state's preparations after inspecting some of the facilities earmarked for the Games.

The National Intermediate Games are expected to play an important role in identifying emerging talents and giving them the competition and exposure required to progress towards national and international sporting events.

With thousands of young athletes expected in Lagos, EKO 2026 is set to become a major platform for talent discovery and youth development in Nigerian sports.