Preparations for the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival—dubbed Coal City Games Enugu 2026—have gained significant momentum following the official inauguration of the Festival’s Local Organizing Committee (LOC) on Wednesday in Enugu.
Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, applauded the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr. Peter Mbah, for his prompt and strategic approach in laying the groundwork for a successful hosting.
“With the inauguration of this high-caliber Local Organizing Committee, we are confident that the Coal City Games Enugu 2026 will set new standards for excellence, inclusivity, and legacy. The quality and experience of the individuals appointed underscore the seriousness with which Enugu is handling this national responsibility,” Hon. Olopade stated. “The National Sports Commission stands fully committed to supporting the state in delivering a seamless and inspiring festival that champions talent discovery, national unity, and hope.”
The LOC is chaired by the Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu Jr., and comprises distinguished professionals with proven expertise in sports administration, youth engagement, and event organization. Their task is to deliver a world-class festival in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly through harnessing sports as a tool for national development and economic growth.
Members of the Committee include:
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Bamiduro Olumide – Sports management expert and former national badminton champion (Secretary General)
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Mary Onyali – Olympian and former international sprint star
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Aku Akazu – Sports lawyer and 2nd Vice President, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN)
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Victor Okorie – Elite athlete and AFN member
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Blessing Chisalam Ekwe – COO, Badminton Federation of Nigeria; FIFA-licensed agent
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Davidson Owumi – COO, Nigeria Professional Football League; former GM, Enugu Rangers
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Tony Ugwu – Chairman, Enugu State Football Association
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Henry Chinedu Okorie – NOC Executive Member; Chair, Athletics Athletes Commission
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Jonathan Nnaji – President, Nigeria Modern Pentathlon Federation; Vice President, African Modern Pentathlon Confederation
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Boniface Onovo – Director of Organizing, Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports
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Ephraim Ochonma – Director of Coaching, Enugu State Ministry of Youth and Sports
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Obiora Obasi – Technical Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner
In his address, Governor Mbah unveiled a robust and transformative roadmap designed to ensure the festival leaves a lasting legacy.
Key elements of the plan include the development of a brand-new Games Village to host athletes and officials, comprehensive remodeling of existing stadiums into modern, international-standard venues, and the construction of additional sports infrastructure across the state to support year-round sporting activities.
Governor Mbah also emphasized the importance of promoting local content by prioritizing indigenous contractors, vendors, and creatives in the planning and execution phases of the festival. This approach, he noted, would help stimulate the local economy while showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Enugu State.
Often described as “Nigeria’s Olympics,” the National Sports Festival is the country’s flagship multi-sport event. The 23rd edition is expected to welcome thousands of athletes from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with Enugu ready to host an electrifying and memorable sporting celebration.
