Sports
2026 Coal City Games: MOC, LOC Intensify Preparations Ahead of Facility Inspection
Joel Ajayi
The Main Organising Committee (MOC) and Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged “Coal City Games, Enugu 2026,” are stepping up preparations for the Games with a comprehensive inspection of sports facilities and critical infrastructure scheduled for August 26 and 27.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) said the MOC delegation would arrive in Enugu on August 25 ahead of the inspection exercise.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja and signed bySpecial Adviser on Media to the Director General of the NSC, Kola Daniel, said the Commission said the inspection would focus on the readiness of competition and training venues, accommodation facilities, transportation and logistics arrangements, supporting infrastructure and other operational requirements.
The exercise is also expected to provide an opportunity for the MOC and LOC to assess the progress of preparations, identify areas requiring urgent attention and agree on measures to ensure that outstanding facilities and operational structures are delivered within the approved timelines.
The Director General of the NSC and Chairman of the MOC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, will lead the Commission’s delegation to Enugu.
According to the Commission, the inspection forms part of its sustained engagement with the Enugu State Government to ensure that preparations remain on schedule and conform to the standards required for hosting Nigeria’s premier multi-sport event.
The programme will culminate on August 28 with the unveiling of the official Coal City Games logo and mascot by the LOC.
Sports
YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display
Joel Ajayi
Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.
Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.
The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.
Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.
The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.
The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.
The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.
Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.
Final Score
Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)
The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)
Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.
Key Performers
Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls
Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls
Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
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