EKO 2026 to showcase Nigeria’s sporting potential — Olopade
EKO 2026 to showcase Nigeria’s sporting potential — Olopade
The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has expressed confidence in Lagos State’s readiness to host the maiden National Intermediate Games, EKO 2026.
Olopade said the Games would provide a platform to showcase Nigeria’s sporting potential and discover young talents.
This is contained in a statement by Gbenga Omotoso, Chairman, Media Publicity sub-committee, issued to newsmen on Sunday in Lagos.
The NSC boss commended Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government for their commitment to sports development and youth empowerment.
“When you look at the build-up to the first National Intermediate Games, you cannot but marvel at the leadership that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has given to sports in this country.
He cited the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon as an example of the governor’s support for sporting events.
Olopade said that the marathon was retained and upgraded under the Sanwo-Olu administration.
He also stressed the importance of discovering young talents through initiatives targeting secondary school athletes.
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The NSC director-general recalled the performances of young athletes he witnessed at competitions in Asaba and Abeokuta.
According to him, Lagos has demonstrated through its preparations that it can provide the systems and facilities needed to successfully host the Games.
“You have not only started putting in place systems and facilities, but you have also brought out the best of your leadership to drive these Games,” he said.
Olopade said the foundation being laid should ensure that the Intermediate Games develop into a national sporting platform beyond the inaugural edition.
He urged the technical committee to give the Games the attention they deserved and project them as one of Nigeria’s major sporting competitions.
The NSC boss also called on stakeholders to channel their energy into the Intermediate Games while efforts continue to address challenges in Nigerian football.
The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that EKO 2026 is scheduled to hold in Lagos from Oct. 1 to Oct. 15.
The Games are expected to attract more than 14,000 young athletes from across Nigeria, providing a platform for talent identification and development.
