Adeboye says National Intermediate Games will expose young talent

Nigeria’s maiden National Intermediate Games will take place from October 1 to 15, 2026, with Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye saying the event can give young athletes a direct route into higher-level competition. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development made the remarks during a Saturday inspection of proposed venues in Lagos.

Adeboye, representing the Director General of the National Sports Commission, joined grassroots development officials and members of the main and local organising committees for the tour. He described the Games as an important part of building a more organised system for finding, evaluating and developing young talent.

The inspection covered Teslim Balogun Stadium, including its pitch and indoor hall, as well as the National Stadium Complex, National Institute for Sports, Rowe Park Sports Centre and Yaba College of Technology. Facilities at the University of Lagos, including accommodation, were also assessed alongside Elegbata Sports Centre, the cricket oval at Tafawa Balewa Square and Mobolaji Johnson Arena, which is being considered for the opening and closing ceremonies.

After the venue visits, the organising committees held a technical session on operational, technical and logistical preparations. Facility condition, athlete welfare, safety and competition administration were among the areas being reviewed before participants arrive.

The first edition is planned for athletes under 19 and will feature 28 sports. Competitors will come from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while athletes based in the diaspora will compete as one contingent. Athletes are due to arrive on October 1, four days before the opening ceremony on October 5.

Adeboye said the national spread of the competition should create a significant pool of emerging talent, with the possibility of identifying athletes who can later represent Nigeria at continental and global events. He said the intended progression should run from community competitions through the Intermediate Games and National Sports Festival to the national teams.

He also stressed that medals alone should not determine the success of the project. Continued work after discovery will be needed to support the athletes, with governments, federations, schools, clubs and private partners expected to contribute to making the Games a lasting part of Nigeria’s sports development structure.