The governor says upgraded facilities will support a landmark youth sports festival designed to strengthen Nigeria’s grassroots talent pipeline

Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has assured that Lagos will be ready to host the inaugural National Intermediate Games, EKO 2026, from October 1 to 15, as rehabilitation work continues at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere.

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Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Saturday while inspecting ongoing work at the stadium, one of several facilities being prepared for the landmark youth sports festival.

The governor said Lagos accepted the hosting rights after the National Sports Commission selected the state for the maiden edition, describing the Games as an opportunity to strengthen grassroots sport and give young athletes a clearer route towards elite competition.

“About two months ago, we had the unique opportunity that the National Sports Commission handed over to Lagos, the hosting rights for the very first National Intermediate Sports Festival,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“We want to encourage the young people before they begin to jump out and run away. We want to hold and develop all the children.”

Between 14,000 and 15,000 athletes are expected to participate, according to Sanwo-Olu, with venues including Rowe Park and other sports centres across the state expected to be used during the competition.

The National Intermediate Games were introduced by the National Sports Commission to strengthen the transition from grassroots competitions, particularly the National Youth Games, to elite sport.

The inaugural edition will feature 15 compulsory sports and is intended to provide a platform for identifying athletes capable of progressing to national and international competition.

Preparations have gathered pace in recent months. In July, the Local Organising Committee unveiled the official EKO 2026 logo and “LASGIDI” mascot, marking another milestone ahead of the October festival.

During Saturday’s inspection, Sanwo-Olu toured the main football and athletics arenas, indoor sports hall, volleyball court and swimming pool at Teslim Balogun Stadium.

The governor said the rehabilitation of sports facilities across Lagos formed part of a wider programme launched by his administration about three years ago to rebuild and modernise sporting infrastructure.

Facilities in Surulere, Ifako, Badagry, Ikorodu, Epe and Agege are among those being rehabilitated, he said.

At Teslim Balogun Stadium, the main bowl is undergoing major reconstruction, while the football pitch has been upgraded to FIFA standards and fitted with natural grass.

Sanwo-Olu said the tartan athletics track was expected to be completed within four to six weeks, while work on the swimming pool and other outstanding facilities would also be completed within the agreed timeframe.

The state’s preparations have previously received positive assessments from the Main Organising Committee.

A three-day inspection in June covered competition venues, accommodation and other support infrastructure, with the committee expressing satisfaction with Lagos’ level of preparedness.

The inspection covered several facilities, including the National Stadium Complex in Surulere, National Institute for Sports, Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba College of Technology, University of Lagos facilities, Elegbata Sports Centre and Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

The scale of the preparations reflects the significance attached to the first edition of the Games.

For Lagos, the event also represents a return to hosting a major national multi-sport competition after the EKO 2012 National Sports Festival.

The wider ambition is to ensure that young athletes are not lost between grassroots participation and senior competition.

National Sports Commission Director-General Bukola Olopade has previously described the Games as an important bridge in the development pathway for emerging athletes.

Lagos State Sports Commission Director-General Lekan Fatodu has also said the preparations are intended to create opportunities for young athletes to showcase their abilities, gain exposure and advance their sporting careers.

For Sanwo-Olu, the investment is therefore about more than preparing stadiums for a two-week competition.

The governor sees the Games as an opportunity to strengthen a system capable of identifying promising athletes early and helping them develop before they reach the highest levels of competition.

“We want to hold grassroots sports,” Sanwo-Olu said, stressing the need to keep young talents engaged and provide them with opportunities to grow.

With October approaching, attention will now remain on the completion of the rehabilitation works and the readiness of the various venues.

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If the preparations remain on schedule, Lagos will enter October with an opportunity to turn the inaugural Games into a significant moment for Nigeria’s youth sports development and a lasting platform for the country’s next generation of athletes.