Lagos Set For Historic National Intermediate Games As NSC Approves Host Readiness

Lagos State has received a major vote of confidence to host the maiden edition of the National Intermediate Games after the Main Organising Committee (MOC) concluded a three-day inspection tour of facilities and declared the state ready for the landmark competition.

The high-powered delegation, led by Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, inspected competition venues, athletes’ accommodation and support infrastructure before paying a courtesy visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

During the visit, according to a press statement released on Wednesday by Dr (Mrs) Kehinde Ajayi, director or press, NSC, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to staging a world-class event.

“We will host the Games in a very excellent way because it reflects the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians and our commitment to youth and sports development,” the governor said.

“We will host a Games that will be the envy of stakeholders and custodians of sports across the country.”

The inspection covered major venues earmarked for the Games, including Teslim Balogun Stadium, the National Stadium Complex in Surulere, the National Institute for Sports, Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba College of Technology, University of Lagos sports facilities and hostels, Elegbata Sports Centre, the Cricket Oval at Tafawa Balewa Square and Mobolaji Johnson Arena, which is being considered for the opening and closing ceremonies.

Sanwo-Olu also praised the leadership of the NSC, commending the working relationship between Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Olopade.

“The National Sports Commission leadership has placed Nigerian sports on the right trajectory,” he said. “Sports is not magic; it is the product of deliberate planning, intentional investment and consistent execution.”

A key highlight of the inspection was the ongoing rehabilitation of Teslim Balogun Stadium, where a new grass surface and critical infrastructure upgrades are underway. Contractors assured the committee that work remains on schedule for delivery by September 2026.

Olopade lauded Lagos State’s preparations and described the city as a fitting host for the inaugural competition.

“Lagos has demonstrated commitment and readiness for this Games,” he said. “It is significant that the first National Sports Festival was hosted in Lagos and now the maiden National Intermediate Games will also take place here.

“What we have seen during this inspection exercise gives us confidence that the state is prepared to deliver a competition of the highest standards.”

He added that the National Intermediate Games would play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s athlete development framework.

“The National Intermediate Games is a critical component of our athlete development framework. It bridges the gap between youth sports and elite competition, providing a sustainable pathway for talent discovery, nurturing and progression,” Olopade said.

The National Intermediate Games is one of the NSC’s flagship initiatives aimed at strengthening grassroots sports, widening competitive opportunities for emerging athletes and building a stronger talent pipeline for future national and international competitions.

The Games are expected to attract thousands of athletes, coaches and officials from across Nigeria, further cementing Lagos State’s standing as one of Africa’s leading sporting destinations.