EKO 2026 organisers inspect Lagos venues for National Intermediate Games

Organisers of EKO 2026 have inspected sports facilities across Lagos ahead of the maiden National Intermediate Games, which will run from October 1 to 15, 2026. The National Sports Commission led the exercise with officials from the Main Organising Committee and Local Organising Committee.

The inspection began at Teslim Balogun Stadium, where the delegation reviewed the pitch, indoor sports hall and other facilities planned for use during the competition. Niyi Beyioku, the NSC’s Head of Grassroots Development, led the visit, while the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Development, Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, represented the commission’s Director General.

The team also visited the National Stadium Complex in Surulere, the National Institute for Sports, Rowe Park Sports Centre and Yaba College of Technology. Sports facilities and hostels at the University of Lagos were included in the tour, along with Elegbata Sports Centre and the Cricket Oval at Tafawa Balewa Square.

Mobolaji Johnson Arena was also assessed as a possible location for the opening and closing ceremonies. After the venue visits, officials from the organising committees held a technical session to consider operational and competition-related arrangements for the Games.

The event will feature 28 sports and is designed for athletes in the Under-19 category. Athletes are expected to arrive on October 1, with the opening ceremony scheduled for October 5. The competition is being organised under the authority of the National Sports Commission as a platform to develop and identify young talent.

Participants will come from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while athletes from the diaspora will compete as a single contingent. The Lagos Games are intended to bring these groups together for two weeks of competition, making venue readiness and technical planning central to preparations for the first edition.