Gov. Mbah Reaffirms Commitment to Delivering a Memorable 23rd National Sports Festival and World-Class Sporting Infrastructure.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform — October 5, 2026
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to delivering a world-class and memorable 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged “Coal City Games,” as preparations intensify ahead of the November 27 opening date.
Governor Mbah gave the assurance during a recent inspection of the Awgu Games Village, where he assessed the quality and pace of ongoing construction and rehabilitation works ahead of the national sporting event.
The Governor said the long-abandoned Games Village is being transformed into a modern sporting facility capable of accommodating athletes and officials from across the country.
Among the facilities under development at the Games Village are a 1,000-capacity hostel, indoor and outdoor courts, a standard FIFA football pitch and an eight-lane athletics track. Mbah expressed confidence that the facility would be ready to host contingents within the available timeframe.
Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Undergoing Major Transformation
The Governor also highlighted the ongoing comprehensive transformation of the iconic Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, popularly known as “The Cathedral.”
According to him, the project goes beyond conventional renovation, with the stadium being repositioned as a modern, multi-sport complex equipped to meet international standards.
The upgrade includes a FIFA-standard football pitch and athletics track, improved spectator stands, roofing and canopy systems, modern changing rooms, electronic access control, upgraded floodlighting and new digital scoreboards.
The project also incorporates an Olympic-size swimming pool as well as upgraded indoor and outdoor facilities for sports including basketball, volleyball and squash.
Sports as a Catalyst for Economic Growth
Governor Mbah said the investment in sports infrastructure is not solely about hosting the National Sports Festival.
He explained that the development forms part of his administration’s broader strategy to position Enugu as a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living, while creating opportunities for young people and strengthening the state’s sporting economy.
The Governor stressed that sports, beyond recreation and social cohesion, can serve as a major economic sector when properly developed and harnessed.
The Coal City Games is scheduled to hold in Enugu from November 27 to December 11, 2026, bringing together athletes, coaches, officials and contingents from across Nigeria.
Building a Lasting Sporting Legacy for Enugu
The ongoing preparations demonstrate the state government’s determination to ensure that the National Sports Festival leaves behind enduring sporting infrastructure rather than temporary facilities for the event.
With the Awgu Games Village receiving extensive rehabilitation and the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium undergoing a comprehensive upgrade, Enugu is positioning itself to strengthen its sporting heritage and create facilities capable of supporting athletes and major sporting events long after the Coal City Games.
The administration’s emphasis on accommodation, logistics, sporting venues and the overall experience of athletes and officials reflects its broader objective of delivering not merely a successful festival, but an event capable of generating lasting economic and tourism benefits for Ndi Enugu.
As the countdown to November 27 continues, expectations are rising that the Coal City Games 2026 will showcase Enugu’s capacity to host major national events while reinforcing the state’s emerging profile as a destination for sports, tourism, investment and enterprise.
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