Lagos selected to host inaugural National Intermediate Games in 2026

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has selected Lagos State to host the inaugural National Intermediate Games, titled EKO 2026, scheduled to take place from October 1 to October 15, 2026. The decision was based on Lagos’ established grassroots sports development structures, existing sporting infrastructure, and proven ability to organize major events.

Conceived under the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), the games aim to create a structured pathway for athletes aged 15 to 18. This age bracket is viewed as a critical stage for transitioning talent from grassroots participation to elite-level competition.

NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade noted that Lagos was chosen for its proactive system of bringing schoolchildren into high-performance sports. Key venues for the event will include the Teslim Balogun Stadium, the National Stadium in Surulere, Rowe Park Sports Centre, Agege Township Stadium, Mobolaji Johnson Arena, and the Elegbata Sports Complex.