Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has visited the Teslim Balogun Stadium and other sports facilities to see the ongoing rehabilitation work for the National Intermediate Sports Festival, EKO 2026.
On Saturday, Mr Sanwo-Olu shared on his social media that the state is making good progress in preparing to host thousands of young athletes from all over Nigeria.
He mentioned that the natural-grass pitch at Teslim Balogun Stadium is ready, while the new tartan track should be finished in the coming weeks.
The governor also noted that indoor halls, swimming pools, and other facilities are being improved before the Games.
“The natural grass pitch is complete, while work on the new tartan track will be finished in the coming weeks,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.
“Our indoor halls, swimming pools and other facilities are also being upgraded to receive the thousands of young athletes expected from across the country.”
Mr Sanwo-Olu stated that this work on sports facilities is part of a larger investment in grassroots sports development by the state.
“For the past three years, we have been rebuilding sports centres across Surulere, Ikorodu, Epe, Agege and Badagry, because our young people deserve quality facilities close to home,” he said.
“We want them to discover their talents, compete with confidence and see a future for themselves in sports right here in Nigeria.”
EKO 2026 preparations
This inspection comes just weeks after Lagos revealed the official logo and mascot for EKO 2026, which is another step forward in the preparations for the first edition of the National Intermediate Games.
The Games will take place from October 1 to 15, 2026. They are expected to bring together young athletes from all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory, and eligible Nigerian athletes living abroad.
The National Sports Commission created the Intermediate Games to provide a clear pathway from the National Youth Games to the National Sports Festival. This aims to identify and nurture young talents before they move on to higher-level competition.
At the logo and mascot unveiling in July, the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, said the state is dedicated to ensuring a successful first edition.
Mr Fatodu noted that the rehabilitation at the Teslim Balogun Stadium is on track and that the state is partnering with private institutions to offer more venues.
He specifically pointed out the British International School in Lekki as one of the private facilities secured for the Games through these partnerships.
The Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, explained that Lagos was chosen as the host because of its solid grassroots sports development structure.
He said the state has shown a system that can find athletes from school level and help them grow into elite competitors.
Mr Olopade added that the Games would help connect youth-level competitions with the National Sports Festival. This will give young athletes a better path into higher-level sports.
The commission also plans to hold trials for Nigerians abroad in London, with successful athletes expected to compete in Lagos.
With less than two months to go before the Games start, Mr Sanwo-Olu said Lagos is ready to welcome the next generation of Nigerian athletes.
“Lagos is ready, and we look forward to welcoming the next generation of Nigerian athletes,” the governor said.
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