Enugu to Host 23rd National Sports Festival in 2026 Following Ogun’s Stellar Gateway Games

Enugu State has been confirmed as the host of the 23rd National Sports Festival, scheduled for December 2026, marking a historic moment for Nigeria’s southeast region. This will be the first time a southeastern state will host the prestigious biennial multi-sport event since its inception in 1973. The announcement comes on the heels of Ogun State’s highly acclaimed hosting of the 2025 National Sports Festival, known as the “Gateway Games,” which has been lauded as one of the best-organized editions in recent history.

The decision to award Enugu the hosting rights was finalized after a competitive bidding process, where Enugu outshone Lagos State. The Enugu State Government, led by Governor Peter Mbah, has already signed a host state agreement with the Federal Government through the Ministry of Sports Development, signaling a strong commitment to delivering a world-class event. The agreement was formalized in a ceremony attended by key stakeholders, including officials from the National Sports Commission and the Enugu State Sports Council.

Governor Mbah expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, emphasizing Enugu’s readiness to set a new benchmark for the National Sports Festival. “We are thrilled to bring the National Sports Festival to Enugu, the heart of the southeast,” Mbah said. “Our goal is to deliver an unforgettable experience that showcases not only our sporting prowess but also the rich cultural heritage and hospitality of Enugu State. We are already working to ensure that our facilities meet international standards and that the festival leaves a lasting legacy for our people.”

Preparations are already underway, with significant investments being made to upgrade existing sports infrastructure across the state. The Awgu Games Village, a key venue for the festival, is undergoing extensive renovations to accommodate the expected influx of athletes, officials, and spectators. Other facilities, including the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, are also being revamped to meet the requirements of the various sporting events. The state government has pledged to ensure that all venues are equipped with modern amenities, providing a conducive environment for athletes to compete at their best.

The 2025 National Sports Festival in Ogun State, which concluded earlier this year, set a high standard for Enugu to follow. Dubbed the “Gateway Games,” the event was widely praised for its organization, vibrant atmosphere, and successful execution. Held across multiple venues in Ogun State, including the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, the festival featured thousands of athletes from across Nigeria competing in sports ranging from athletics and football to wrestling and swimming. The event was noted for its seamless logistics, robust security, and significant economic boost to the local economy, with hotels, restaurants, and businesses reporting increased patronage.

Ogun State’s success has raised expectations for Enugu, with sports enthusiasts and analysts eager to see how the Coal City State will build on the achievements of its predecessor. The National Sports Festival, often described as Nigeria’s equivalent of the Olympics, serves as a platform to discover new talent, promote national unity, and showcase the country’s sporting potential. Over the years, it has produced numerous athletes who have gone on to represent Nigeria on the global stage, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

Enugu’s selection as the host for 2026 is seen as a significant milestone for the southeast, a region that has long advocated for greater inclusion in hosting major national events. The state’s rich history as a hub for sports and culture, coupled with its strategic location, makes it an ideal choice. Enugu is expected to leverage the festival to promote tourism, with attractions like the Awhum Waterfall, Ngwo Cave, and the National Museum of Unity set to draw visitors from across the country.

The Enugu State Sports Council has outlined plans to engage local communities in the lead-up to the festival, including grassroots talent identification programs and sports clinics to inspire young athletes. The state is also collaborating with private sector partners to ensure adequate funding and resources for the event. “We want to make the 23rd National Sports Festival a celebration of unity, talent, and progress,” said the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu. “Enugu is ready to welcome Nigeria and make this a festival to remember.”

As the countdown to December 2026 begins, all eyes are on Enugu to deliver an event that matches or surpasses the high standards set by Ogun State. With meticulous planning, significant infrastructure upgrades, and a passion for sports, Enugu is poised to make history as it hosts the National Sports Festival for the first time, bringing the southeast to the forefront of Nigeria’s sporting landscape.