Mbah and NSC promise top-notch sports festival, launch Coal City Games mascot

Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, along with the National Sports Commission (NSC), has introduced the official mascot for the 2026 National Sports Festival called the “Coal City Games.” They assured that the state will host a competition that meets global standards.

The mascot, named “Odum Eze, Lion King,” was revealed by Mbah at the International Conference Centre in Enugu over the weekend.

Governor Mbah, represented by Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai, explained that choosing the lion was intentional. He said it symbolizes Enugu State’s leadership and also stands for strength, courage, and discipline.

He added that these same qualities are what they expect from the athletes taking part in the games, set to hold from November 27 to December 11, 2026.

“We expect a sports festival that will be defined by integrity. We expect a sports festival that will depict Nigerian strength, courage, and utmost discipline.

“We expect a sports festival that the media will write, after we have concluded, that we met world standards and surpassed all expectations,” he stated.

Mbah expressed sadness that Nigeria, once respected in international sports, has lost its standing. He urged a return to nurturing talents from the grassroots.

The governor called on the NSC to focus more on school sports to help revive sports development and find young talents across Nigeria.

Earlier, NSC Director-General Bukola Olapade shared his excitement about Enugu hosting the festival. He noted that Enugu would be the second state in the South-East to host the National Sports Festival since Imo State held it in 1998.

Olapade, who considers Enugu his home state, said this hosting opportunity is significant for the region and the state. He mentioned that the festival typically rotated between the South-West and South-South areas before Enugu got the chance in the South-East.

He remarked that an inspection of facilities in Enugu showed that the state is ready for the games, highlighting the security and infrastructure quality.

“After the inspection yesterday, we came to the conclusion that Enugu is ready to take the National Sports Festival to unprecedented heights. We are very impressed with what is going on in Enugu,” he noted.

However, he mentioned that some facilities, like the swimming pool and indoor sports hall, still need some work. He is confident they will be ready before the festival starts in November.

Olapade also revealed that the Federal Government is now supporting host states with sports infrastructure instead of leaving it all to state governments.

He believes that the Coal City Games will set a new record for the National Sports Festival, calling it the most sponsored edition ever.

“This is going to be the biggest and highest-sponsored sports festival in the history of Nigeria,” he declared.

In an interview with reporters, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, echoed Dr. Peter Mbah’s commitment. He said they aim to not only deliver a record-breaking festival but also to make Enugu State the sports capital of Africa.

“If you look at the rate and magnitude of work going on at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, the Games Village at Awgu, and the overall infrastructure in the state, you would agree that Enugu State is ready to host, win, and set new records in organization and infrastructure,” he said.

Meanwhile, the official sponsor for the 2026 NSF, Premium Trust Bank, has reaffirmed its commitment to the Coal City Games and to sports development in Nigeria.

Aniebet Offiong, the Chief Business Officer for South-South at Premium Trust Bank, expressed excitement about partnering with Enugu State and the NSC to create a memorable NSF in November and December.

The mascot unveiling event also had notable attendees like the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel; President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, Sunday Odebode; and the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, among others.