Tinubu to open Coal City Games as NSC declares Enugu ready

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will personally declare open the 23rd National Sports Festival, Coal City Games Enugu 2026. The National Sports Commission (NSC) says the November 28 date is final and Enugu is ready.

Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade made the announcement on Wednesday, October 29, at the end of the Joint Technical Meeting in Enugu. The meeting, held at the Best Western Plus Hotel, Independence Layout, brought together Directors of Sports from the states, members of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC). It followed an inspection of venues and facilities.

In a statement signed by Zira Zakka Nagga, Head of Press and Public Relations Unit, the NSC said the President’s attendance “underscores the importance the present administration attaches to sports development as a veritable tool for national unity, youth empowerment and economic growth.”

Olopade described the flag-off date as sacrosanct. Contingents are expected to begin arriving from November 26. He led a delegation of MOC and LOC members, National Sports Federation Secretaries and Technical Directors, Zonal Coordinators and Directors of Sports from the 36 states, and said the meeting resolved critical issues around hosting the Games.

On facilities, Olopade said concerns have been addressed. After direct engagement with contractors, work on the upgrade of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and other venues has fully mobilised. The renovation and branding of the stadium will transform it completely. “You will not recognize the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium as you used to know it,” he said.

The swimming pool will be ready for use by November 18, 2026. The Federal Government-funded project began about four to five weeks ago and is on track. Olopade also confirmed that funds are ready for release to the LOC and MOC, and that equipment that previously raised concerns has been procured and will be deployed.

Olopade commended Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Lloyd Ekweremadu, for their commitment to a world-class festival. He called Enugu a great and secure sporting city and urged Nigerians to disregard negative narratives.

“This is a profound National Sports Festival for me. For so many reasons. What we have seen in Enugu gives us confidence. The people of Enugu are enthusiastic and eagerly waiting to welcome all of us to this wonderful, great city,” he said.

As MOC Chairman, he thanked stakeholders, federation officials, the NSC team and the media. He promised that the Committee will keep working with the host state to upgrade facilities and ensure a successful and memorable festival.

Ekweremadu welcomed the delegates and assured them that their observations would be corrected before the opening ceremony. MOC Secretary and NSC Director of Festival and Para-Sports, Mrs. Thecla Opara, presented the inspection findings. She urged the Enugu State Government to make the necessary corrections, noting that Enugu was ready. LOC Secretary Mr. Bamiduro Olumide said all observations would be addressed.

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