Dr. Mbah Reaffirms November 27 Opening Date as Enugu Accelerates Preparations for 23rd National Sports Festival.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform — October 6, 2026
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has inspected ongoing works at key facilities for the 23rd National Sports Festival, assuring that the state is on course to host a world-class “Coal City Games” from November 27 to December 11, 2026.
Governor Mbah gave the assurance during an inspection tour of the Awgu Games Village, where he assessed the pace and quality of work ahead of the national sporting event.
The Governor said the Awgu facility, which had remained abandoned for years, was being transformed into a modern Games Village capable of accommodating contingents from across the country.
According to him, work is ongoing on a 1,000-capacity hostel, indoor and outdoor courts, a FIFA-standard football pitch and an eight-lane athletics track, with the facilities expected to be ready ahead of the opening ceremony.
Mbah also reaffirmed that Enugu was not considering a change to the festival’s scheduled dates, noting that the state had given its commitment to the National Sports Commission to ensure that preparations remain on schedule.
Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Undergoing Major Transformation
The Governor disclosed that the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium is undergoing comprehensive reconstruction as part of the preparations for the festival.
The upgrade includes a new FIFA-standard football pitch and athletics track, rehabilitation of spectator stands, improved VIP and VVIP facilities, upgraded players’ changing rooms, new roofing and canopy systems, electronic access-control systems and modern scoreboards.
The project also includes upgraded floodlighting, perimeter fencing, landscaping and other electrical and mechanical works.
Beyond the main stadium bowl, an Olympic-size swimming pool is being constructed, while the Indoor Sports Hall and facilities for sports including volleyball, basketball and squash are also being upgraded.
Governor Mbah said the investments were not solely for the National Sports Festival, but were intended to create lasting sports infrastructure capable of supporting athletes, tourism, business and other economic activities in Enugu beyond the Games.
NSC Commends Enugu’s Preparations
The National Sports Commission has also commended the Enugu State Government for its commitment to the successful hosting of the festival.
NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, praised Governor Mbah for personally monitoring preparations and reaffirmed that the 23rd National Sports Festival will hold as scheduled from November 27 to December 11, 2026.
The Commission has described the National Sports Festival as an important platform for sports development, job creation, tourism, hospitality and national unity.
With preparations continuing across the Games Village, stadium and other sporting facilities, attention is now turning to the final phase of construction, logistics and organisation ahead of the arrival of athletes and officials from across Nigeria.
The Coal City Games are expected to bring together athletes, coaches, officials, sports administrators and spectators, further placing Enugu in the national spotlight as the state prepares to host one of Nigeria’s major multi-sport events.
Enugu Media Village (EMV) will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of the preparations, infrastructure development and activities surrounding the 23rd National Sports Festival.
Informing Enugu, Connecting the World.
Promoting Accountability, Public Participation, Transparency and Good Governance.