Sports
Lagos Declares Readiness for National Intermediate Games After MOC Inspection Tour
Joel Ajayi
The Main Organizing Committe for the National Intermediate Games has expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness by Lagos State to host the maiden edition of the Games following a comprehensive three-day inspection of competition venues, athlete accommodation facilities and support infrastructure across the state.
The high-powered delegation led by the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, the MOC concluded the inspection exercise with a courtesy visit to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who reaffirmed the State’s commitment to delivering a world-class event.
The inspection tour covered key facilities earmarked for the Games, including the Teslim Balogun Stadium, National Stadium Complex Surulere, National Institute for Sports (NIS), Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba College of Technology, University of Lagos sports facilities and hostels, Elegbata Sports Centre, the Cricket Oval at Tafawa Balewa Square, and the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, which is being considered for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
Speaking during the courtesy visit, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured the Commission of Lagos State’s readiness to host a successful and memorable championship.
“We will host the Games in a very excellent way because it reflects the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians and our commitment to youth and sports development. We will host a Games that will be the envy of stakeholders and custodians of sports across the country.”
The Governor further commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission for the direction and vision it has brought to sports administration in Nigeria.
“The National Sports Commission leadership has placed Nigerian sports on the right trajectory. The team is focused, purposeful and committed to results. The working relationship between the Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, which has remained rancor-free, is very commendable and inspiring. We are proud of what they are building, and their vision aligns perfectly with our own aspirations for sports development.”
“Sports is not magic; it is the product of deliberate planning, intentional investment and consistent execution. What the Commission is doing today gives confidence that Nigerian sports is moving in the right direction.”
One of the major highlights of the inspection was the ongoing rehabilitation work at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. The facility is currently undergoing extensive upgrades, including the installation of a new grass surface and improvements to critical infrastructure. Contractors handling the project assured the Commission that work remains on schedule and that the stadium will be ready for delivery by September 2026.
The delegation also inspected the indoor sports hall, basketball facilities and other competition venues that will play host to various events during the Games.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also highlighted Lagos State’s long-standing record of hosting major sporting events and creating opportunities for young athletes.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, praised the Lagos State Government for its preparations and commitment to ensuring the success of the competition.
“Lagos has demonstrated commitment and readiness for this Games. It is significant that the first National Sports Festival was hosted in Lagos and now the maiden National Intermediate Games will also take place here. The State’s track record speaks for itself. In the last one year alone, Lagos became the first African city to host the E1 Powerboat World Championship, and recently hosted the Davis Cup back to Lagos for the first time in nearly two decades.”
“Lagos has shown tremendous commitment to hosting the maiden National Intermediate Games. What we have seen during this inspection exercise gives us confidence that the state is prepared to deliver a competition of the highest standards.”
“The National Intermediate Games is a critical component of our athlete development framework. It bridges the gap between youth sports and elite competition, providing a sustainable pathway for talent discovery, nurturing and progression. We are encouraged by the level of collaboration we have received from Lagos State and all stakeholders.”
The National Intermediate Games is one of the flagship initiatives of the National Sports Commission aimed at strengthening grassroots sports development, expanding competitive opportunities for emerging athletes and building a stronger pipeline of talent for future national and international competitions.
The Games are expected to attract thousands of athletes, coaches and officials from across the federation and further consolidate Lagos State’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading sports destinations.
Sports
AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.
Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.
The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.
As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.
The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.
The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.
With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.
Africa is coming to Abuja.
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