Lagos to host maiden National Intermediate Games in 2026

Lagos State is scheduled to host the inaugural National Intermediate Games, tagged Eko 2026, from October 1 to 15, 2026. The event is expected to host approximately 14,000 to 15,000 young athletes between the ages of 15 and 18.

Organizers intend to use the games as a strategic platform for talent discovery and youth development, bridging the gap between under-15 championships and the senior National Sports Festival. The competition will feature 23 compulsory and five optional sporting disciplines across 10 different venues within the state.

To ensure the integrity of the competition and combat long-standing issues such as age cheating, Lagos State plans to implement NIN biometric screening. The initiative, supported by the National Sports Commission’s Renewed Hope Initiative, aims to foster ethical competition and restore transparency to Nigerian grassroots sports.