Enugu State is stepping up preparations for the 23rd National Sports Festival as the National Sports Commission (NSC) praised Governor Peter Mbah for his commitment to delivering a memorable edition of the Games, tagged Coal City Games Enugu 2026.

NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended the governor for the extensive infrastructural upgrades across the state and his personal involvement in preparations for the festival, scheduled to hold from November 27 to December 11, 2026. 

Olopade described the National Sports Festival as Nigeria’s Olympics, stressing that its impact goes beyond competition to job creation, business growth, tourism, hospitality and national unity.

The NSC delegation, led by Olopade, joined Governor Mbah on an inspection tour of the Awgu Games Village, where major facilities are being developed ahead of the festival. 

The project includes a 1,000 capacity bed hostel, indoor and outdoor courts, a standard FIFA football pitch and an eight-lane athletics track, with the governor assuring that the facilities would be completed before the opening ceremony.

Mbah reiterated that Enugu State would not seek a change to the approved dates, saying the government remained determined to fulfil its promise of making the 23rd National Sports Festival one of the most memorable editions in the history of the competition. 

“These facilities will be ready,” the governor said, adding that he had personally given the NSC a commitment that the November 27 opening date would be maintained.

Beyond Awgu, the governor disclosed that the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium is undergoing comprehensive reconstruction, including a new FIFA-standard football pitch and athletics track, upgraded spectator stands, changing rooms, floodlighting and modern access-control systems. 

Olopade said the scale of investment would provide Enugu with a lasting sporting legacy, while the NSC reaffirmed its partnership with the state government and Local Organising Committee to ensure a successful Coal City Games.