By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
National Sports Commission Director-General, Bukola Olopade has insisted that the 23rd National Sports Festival will open in Enugu on November 28 as scheduled, with key facilities nearing completion and funding, equipment and athlete transport arrangements secured.
Olopade gave the assurance after inspecting facilities in Enugu, expressing satisfaction with the progress of work at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and other venues designated for the national sporting event.
He disclosed that the swimming pool was expected to be ready by November 18, while the tartan track would be laid in the coming days. He also confirmed that funding and equipment had been secured, with buses ready to transport athletes during the festival.
The NSC boss dismissed speculation about a possible postponement, insisting that the commission and the Enugu State Government remained committed to the announced schedule.
“When Lagos asked for postponement, we came out confidently to tell the public. Heaven did not fall,” he said.
“Suggesting that it will be postponed after announcement from Enugu State and NSC suggests that we are deceiving the nation. NOT NICE AT ALL,” Olopade added.
He further disclosed that Enugu 2026 was projected to become the highest-sponsored National Sports Festival in history, with sponsorship expected to reach between ₦12 billion and ₦15 billion.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to declare the festival open on November 28, while approximately 12,000 athletes and officials are scheduled to arrive in Enugu from November 26.
Olopade commended Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for his commitment to hosting the festival, describing the state as a secure and welcoming destination for athletes and other participants.
The festival will bring together athletes from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to compete in various sporting disciplines.
With preparations entering their final phase, the NSC director-general expressed confidence that Enugu would deliver a successful festival, dismissing concerns over the readiness of facilities and the possibility of a postponement.
