Lagos State will host Nigeria’s first-ever National Intermediate Games in 2026, a new NSC initiative to develop young sporting talent nationwide
Lagos State has been confirmed as the host of Nigeria’s first-ever National Intermediate Games, scheduled for 2026, in what officials describe as a landmark step for the nation’s sports development.
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The National Sports Commission (NSC) announced that the new multi-sport event will form part of its RHINSE programme, which focuses on identifying, monitoring, and nurturing athletes aged between 16 and 19.
The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between grassroots competitions and elite-level sports, offering young talents a clear progression pathway.
Speaking on the importance of the project, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko said Nigeria must build a sustainable framework for talent discovery and development if it hopes to achieve lasting success on the international stage.
“We are determined to ensure consistent podium success at global competitions, but that can only happen when we have the right structure in place to support elite growth.
The Intermediate Games will strengthen that structure,” Dikko said.
He emphasised that the foundation of every strong sports system lies in effective grassroots development, which the commission is now pursuing with renewed vigour.
“The bedrock of every sustained sports development effort is an efficient grassroots system, and that’s what we’re actively building with the President’s mandate,” he added.
NSC Director General Bukola Olopade described the creation of the National Intermediate Games as a deliberate and strategic effort to resolve long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s sports framework, particularly around athlete progression and age categorisation.
“With the National Youth Games and the National Sports Festival now well established, the Intermediate Games will fill a crucial gap, helping young athletes prepare better before stepping into senior-level competitions,” Olopade explained.
He praised Lagos State for its willingness to host the inaugural edition, describing it as a “major milestone in the illustrious sporting history of Nigeria.”
The 2026 National Intermediate Games will act as a developmental platform for emerging athletes, linking youth competitions like the National Youth Games to elite contests such as the National Sports Festival.
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Officials believe it will create a continuous, coordinated pipeline capable of producing the next generation of champions for Nigeria.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
