Eko 2026: Lagos Targets Talent Boom With National Intermediate Games

More than 15,000 young athletes aged between 15 and 18 are expected in Lagos for the inaugural National Intermediate Games, Eko 2026, with organisers positioning the event as a major talent-identification platform and a new pathway for Nigeria’s future sporting champions.

The Games, scheduled for October 1 to 15, will bring together teenage athletes from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to compete for honours in 31 events across 28 sports.

Beyond medals and competition, the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between grassroots and elite sport by identifying promising athletes early, nurturing their development and preparing them for national, continental and international competitions.

Speaking at a media parley in Lagos on Tuesday, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said the Games were conceived to create a connection between young talents and Nigeria’s professional sporting system.

“We believe that should there be a connection between our sporting talents that are very young and the ones that are professional, there must be something to identify them, to make people see them as talents that will fly the flag of our nation tomorrow,” Omotoso said.

He assured that Lagos would deliver an outstanding hosting of the maiden Games, noting that preparations were already under way to cater for between 14,000 and 15,000 participating athletes.

Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, described the athletes as “the future champions” who would represent Nigeria at national, continental and international levels.

“From this event, new names will emerge in our sporting history and ecosystem. Later on, reference will be made that this athlete was discovered at the first Intermediate Games,” Fatodu said.

He identified the elimination of age cheating as another major objective of the Games, stressing that strict age-appropriate competition would help establish a credible development pathway for young athletes.

“We want the era of age cheats to be completely eliminated from our sporting history,” Fatodu said.

According to him, the Games will help ensure that athletes progress through the appropriate age categories without resorting to multiple identities, which could ultimately jeopardise their careers and eligibility to represent Nigeria.

He also stressed the wider role of sport in promoting national unity, excellence, diplomacy and social cohesion among young Nigerians.

President of the Guild of Sports Editors, Tony Ubani, described intermediate sport as a crucial bridge between youth competition and senior elite sport.

He said the Games would provide an opportunity to identify younger athletes capable of eventually replacing established stars, while ensuring that those who excel are monitored and exposed to international opportunities.

The competitions will be held at venues including Teslim Balogun Stadium, National Stadium, Surulere, Rowe Park Sports Centre, Agege Township Stadium, Mobolaji Johnson Arena and Elegbata Sports Complex.

Institutional facilities at Lagos Tennis Club, the TBS Cricket Oval, Yaba College of Technology and the University of Lagos have also been secured for the Games.