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23rd National Sports Festival: MOC Advisory Team Secures Enugu Governor’s Commitment to Successful Hosting

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The Main Organising Committee (MOC) Advisory Team for the 23rd National Sports Festival, Enugu 2026, on Wednesday, paid a strategic working visit to the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, at the Enugu State Government House, Enugu.

Led by Dr. Kweku Tandoh, Consultant to the MOC, the primary objective of the visit was to provide the Governor with a comprehensive briefing on the current state of preparations, highlight milestones achieved so far by the MOC and LOC, and bring to his attention critical areas requiring immediate executive intervention to ensure that the Festival is delivered to international standards, on schedule and in line with the vision of the National Sports Commission.

Following extensive deliberations, Governor Mbah responded with clear directives and firm assurances aimed at accelerating preparations for the Games.

He directed immediate action on all issues raised during the meeting and constituted a monitoring team to provide him with daily updates on the progress of work across all fronts.

He further ordered the immediate activation of the LOC Secretariat to serve as the operational hub for all Festival activities. He also directed the immediate composition and activation of all LOC subcommittees. In the spirit of efficiency and in alignment with global best practices, His Excellency approved the streamlining of the subcommittees from 19 to 13 to ensure better coordination and accountability.

Reaffirming the commitment of his administration, His Excellency declared categorically that the Games will not suffer any postponement. He assured that all sporting infrastructure earmarked for the Festival, including the Games Village and competition venues, will be ready and delivered ahead of the commencement of the Games.

To drive awareness and national excitement, the Governor directed the immediate activation of all media, publicity and marketing strategies to commence nationwide sensitisation, promotion and mobilization for the Games.

Demonstrating hands-on leadership, His Excellency also expressed his desire to hold regular interface meetings with the MOC Advisory Team to review progress, address challenges promptly and ensure that Enugu State remains fully on track for a successful hosting.

The team assured the Governor of the unwavering commitment and full support of the National Sports Commission and the MOC to work in close synergy with the Enugu State Government. The goal, they emphasised, is to deliver a peaceful, well-organised and memorable 23rd National Sports Festival that will showcase the talents of Nigerian athletes and the rich cultural heritage of Enugu State and the South-East region.

The high-level delegation was led by Dr. Kweku Tandoh, Consultant to the MOC, and had in attendance Dr. Emmanuel Igbinosa, also Consultant to the MOC; Mr. Sunday Odebode; Mr. Idowu Oladipupo; and Mr. Olumide Bamiduro, Secretary-General of the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

The Advisory Team conveyed the warm greetings and goodwill message of the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Chairman of the MOC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, to His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah.

The team commended the Governor and the good people of Enugu State for graciously accepting to host the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival. They noted that this will be the first time since the Imo ’98 Games that a South-East state will have the honour of hosting Nigeria’s biggest multi-sports event.

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YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display

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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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