EKO 2026: NSC Sets Age Limit, Finalises Technical Framework For National Intermediate Games

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has approved the final technical framework for the maiden National Intermediate Games, EKO 2026, as preparations for the competition enter their final phase in Lagos.

The decisions were reached at a meeting of the Joint Technical Committee held at the Sam Shonibare Community Development Centre, Surulere, Lagos, and chaired by NSC Director-General and Main Organising Committee Chairman, Bukola Olopade.

The meeting brought together representatives of the Main Organising Committee, National Sports Federations, participating states and the Federal Capital Territory, zonal coordinators, technical sub-committees and the Lagos State Local Organising Committee.

A key resolution was the approval of the age bracket for the Games. Only athletes born between 1 January 2008 and 30 September 2011 will be eligible to compete.

The committee directed the MOC Secretariat to reflect the age provision consistently in the Technical Manual and other official Games documents.

It also approved comprehensive age and identity verification measures, including NIMC checks, approved documentary requirements and physical screening, in a bid to protect the integrity of the competition.

Olopade described the Intermediate Games as an important link between grassroots sport and elite competition, with talent identification at the centre of the initiative.

“Our aspiration is that this Games would provide an important platform for talent identification and athlete progression, while ensuring that young athletes with potential are identified early and provided with opportunities to develop into future national team athletes,” he said.

Athletes identified during EKO 2026 are expected to enter a structured national development pathway. The committee further resolved that athletes discovered at the Games, alongside identified Nigerian talents in the diaspora, will form the core of Nigeria’s invited junior athletes team for the 2026 National Sports Festival in Enugu.

The committee also declared identified athletes as national assets and urged participating states to cooperate with the NSC and National Sports Federations in making them available for approved national assignments and development programmes.

Changes to sports programme

Several adjustments were made to the sporting programme. The 5,000 metres was approved as an official athletics medal event, while weightlifting medals will be awarded according to athletes’ overall performances in their respective approved weight categories.

Separate medals will not be awarded for the Snatch and Clean & Jerk components.

The Mixed Team event in Taekwondo was removed from the official programme, while Netball and Teqball will be staged as demonstration sports without medal status.

On accommodation, the committee disclosed that 16 hostels comprising 38 buildings and approximately 12,800 beds had been identified for participating contingents.

The Lagos State LOC was directed to ensure that the facilities have adequate security, water supply, electricity, standby power, cleaning, maintenance and fumigation before athletes and officials arrive.

A decentralised catering arrangement was also approved. Breakfast and dinner will be served at designated accommodation centres, while lunch will be provided at competition venues. Caterers are expected to comply with food safety, hygiene and health certification requirements.

Transportation arrangements will operate through a tri-modal system involving road, rail and water transport where appropriate, with the aim of moving athletes, officials, technical personnel and equipment efficiently across Lagos.

Medical, digital systems

The committee also strengthened the medical and public health framework for the Games.

Qualified medical personnel will be deployed at competition venues and designated accommodation facilities, while ambulance services will be available at venues. The UNILAG Medical Centre will serve as the primary referral facility, with arrangements for specialised referrals where necessary.

Participating states and the FCT are expected to nominate Chief Medical Officers and complete the required medical assessments and health screenings.

The Games Medical and Public Health teams will work with Lagos State authorities on food safety, water and sanitation, waste management, disease prevention and emergency response.

Meanwhile, the official EKO 2026 website, mobile application and QR code-enabled systems are expected to be deployed before the Games begin. The platforms will support accreditation, results management, data administration and communication with athletes, officials, stakeholders and the media.

Following inspections of competition and non-competition facilities, the LOC was directed to complete outstanding remedial works and venue requirements. National Sports Federations and technical committees were similarly tasked with finalising sport-specific schedules, equipment requirements and other operational arrangements.

The Joint Technical Committee called on all participating states, the FCT, federations and other stakeholders to work together to ensure the successful staging of the inaugural Games.

EKO 2026 is expected to provide a structured platform for identifying and developing young sporting talent, while creating a pathway for athletes to progress towards national and elite-level competition.