By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Preparations for the 23rd National Sports Festival, Coal City Games 2026, have entered a crucial phase with zonal eliminations for team sports scheduled to hold across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones from September 12 to 15, 2026.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) said the eliminations would serve as a key qualification stage ahead of the National Sports Festival, which will be hosted by Enugu State from November 27 to December 11, 2026.
The competitions will feature basketball, cricket, football, volleyball and beach volleyball in both male and female categories.
According to the organizers, the first- and second-placed teams from each geopolitical zone will qualify for the National Sports Festival. Host state Enugu, however, will enjoy automatic qualification in all the featured team sports.
The Main Organizing Committee (MOC) has directed zonal coordinators to commence preparations and submit proposed venues for the competitions.
The coordinators are also expected to ensure strict compliance with the Games’ rules and regulations to promote fair play and provide a level playing field for all participating teams.
The 23rd National Sports Festival is themed, “Excellence, Sportsmanship and Unity.”
