NSC hails Mbah over Enugu Sports Festival preparations

By Tosin Omojola 

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has commended Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for the massive infrastructural upgrade across the state ahead of the 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged Coal City Games, Enugu 2026.

NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, praised Mbah for personally monitoring preparations and reaffirmed that the Festival would hold as scheduled from November 27 to December 11, 2026.

Olopade described the National Sports Festival as “the Nigerian Olympics,” noting that it promotes economic growth, job creation, tourism, hospitality and national unity.

Mbah gave the assurance during an inspection of the Awgu Games Village, where a 1,000-capacity hostel, indoor and outdoor courts, a FIFA-standard football pitch and an eight-lane athletics track are under construction.

The governor said the facilities would be ready for the November 27 opening, ruling out any postponement.

“We are not interested in shifting the date. The dates are already fixed for the 23rd National Sports Festival,” Mbah said.

He added that the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium was undergoing comprehensive reconstruction, including a new FIFA-standard pitch and athletics track, upgraded stands, changing rooms, floodlights and access-control systems.

Olopade said the investments would leave a lasting legacy beyond the Festival, while the NSC pledged continued collaboration with the Enugu Government and the Local Organising Committee to deliver a successful event.