Sports
NSC To Create Pathway For Young Talents Through National Intermediate Games
Joel Ajayi
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has stated the need for the establishment of the National Intermediate Games, a groundbreaking initiative designed to bridge the gap between grassroots development and elite/professional sports level.
The Intermediate Games will focus on athletes aged 16 to 18, providing them with a competitive platform that complements existing national events.
While the National Youth Games currently cater to athletes under the age of 15, and the National Sports Festival serves elite athletes without age restrictions, there has long been a vacuum for budding talents who fall between these categories. The Intermediate Games is poised to fill this critical gap, ensuring a seamless transition for young athletes on their journey to professional and international success.
Nigeria’s grassroots system has consistently produced world-class athletes. From the Golden Eaglets’ record five FIFA U-17 World Cup triumphs since their first victory in China in 1985, to the Nigerian female junior basketball team’s strong showing at the FIBA World Championship in the Czech Republic, the nation’s youth have consistently demonstrated extraordinary potential.
The Intermediate Games will harness this potential further, preparing athletes for international competitions such as U-18 and U-20 tournaments, while nurturing future elite and professional stars.
Notable sports icons including Gabriel Okon, Deji Aliu, Olusoji Fasuba, Nduka Ugbade, John Obi Mikel, Rashidat Ajibade, and Victor Osimhen are shining examples of talents who emerged from the grassroots to become global champions. The National Intermediate Games will serve as a launchpad for the next generation of such heroes, ensuring Nigeria’s dominance on the global sporting stage.
With this initiative, the NSC stated it is deliberate about its commitment to talent development, sports excellence, and the vision of nurturing athletes who will continue to bring glory to the nation.
Sports
Montage Community Football Tourney Registration Ends October 30
Cyril Ogar
Registration for the 2026 edition of the Montage Community Football Tournament will close on Friday, October 30, organisers have announced.
The tournament coordinator, Mr Raphael Ekpang, disclosed this on Thursday, urging interested teams across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to take advantage of the remaining days to register.
Ekpang said registration had been ongoing since Monday, encouraging eligible teams to complete the process before the deadline.
The tournament, themed “Montage FM 99.7: Empowering Youth, Uniting Communities Through Football,” is scheduled to kick off on November 3, 2026, with playoffs across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
The grand finale will hold on December 5, 2026, at the Old Parade Ground, Garki Area 10, Abuja, where the top four teams will compete for first-, second- and third-place honours.
A total of 48 teams will participate in the competition, with eight teams representing each of the six Area Councils.
The participating teams will compete for cash prizes worth over ₦2 million and other valuable rewards.
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