23rd National Sports Festival: Athletics, Football, MMA Among 20 Sports Approved
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed that 20 sports will feature at the upcoming 23rd National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged Coal City Games, scheduled to hold in Enugu State in 2026.
The clarification was issued by NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade, following a meeting with States’ Directors of Sports in Abuja.
Olopade emphasized that the Commission retains exclusive rights to organize and coordinate the NSF, and explained that the reduction to 20 sports was agreed at the last National Council on Sports meeting in Calabar, citing prevailing economic realities.
He noted that the streamlined list aligns with international models, including the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where some sports are being merged.
The DG assured improved communication with states through their Directors of Sports to avoid future misconceptions.
Approved Sports for Coal City Games
Athletics & Para Athletics
Badminton & Para Badminton
Basketball & Wheelchair Basketball (3×3)
Boxing
Canoeing & Para Canoeing
Cricket
Cycling
Darts
Football
Golf
Gymnastics
Judo
Mixed Martial Arts
Shooting & Para Shooting
Swimming
Table Tennis & Para Table Tennis
Tennis
Taekwondo
Weightlifting & Para Powerlifting
Wrestling
The meeting was attended by Directors of Sports from the six geo-political zones, the Director of the NSF and Para Sports Department, and other key stakeholders.
