The race to complete sporting facilities ahead of the 23rd National Sports Festival has entered its final stretch, with contractors working against time in Enugu as the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, insists the competition will commence as scheduled on November 28.
Olopade gave the assurance after inspecting key sporting facilities in the Coal City, expressing confidence in the progress of work at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and other venues designated for the multi-sport event.
The NSC boss disclosed that the swimming pool is expected to be ready by November 18, while the laying of the tartan track would commence in the coming days.
He also confirmed that funding and equipment for the festival had been secured, adding that arrangements for transporting participating athletes were already in place.
“In the coming days, the tartan track will be laid, buses to move the athletes are ready,” Olopade said.
Reacting to suggestions that the festival could be postponed because of concerns surrounding facility readiness, the NSC chief dismissed the speculation, insisting that the authorities had been clear about their commitment to the November 28 commencement date.
“When Lagos asked for postponement, we came out confidently to tell the public. Heaven did not fall,” he said.
“Suggesting that it will be postponed after announcements from Enugu State and NSC suggests that we are deceiving the nation. NOT NICE AT ALL.”
Olopade further revealed that Enugu 2026 is projected to become the highest-sponsored edition of the National Sports Festival, with sponsorship commitments expected to reach between ₦12 billion and ₦15 billion.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to declare the festival open on November 28, while approximately 12,000 athletes and officials are scheduled to arrive in Enugu from November 26.
He commended Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for his commitment to hosting the event, describing the state as a secure and welcoming destination for athletes, officials and other stakeholders.
Tagged Enugu 2026, the 23rd National Sports Festival will bring together athletes representing Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to compete across various sporting disciplines.
With contractors racing to meet outstanding construction deadlines and preparations entering their final phase, attention is now firmly on Enugu to deliver the facilities required for the country’s flagship national multi-sport competition.
For Olopade, however, the message remains unequivocal: Enugu 2026 will go ahead as scheduled.
, Bukola Olopade, insists the competition will commence as scheduled on November 28){kind=link}