NSC has no grounds to cancel Delta’s 2026 National Youth Games agreement
According to the Guardian newspaper, there is growing concern in Asaba, Delta State, over the hosting rights for the 10th National Youth Games (NYG) scheduled for 2026.
Officials from the Delta Sports Commission have raised alarm following reports that Lagos State may take over the hosting rights, despite an existing agreement with the Federal Government.
In 2023, Delta State signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Sports Development to host four consecutive editions of the NYG.
The state has successfully hosted the Games in 2023, 2024, and the current ninth edition. The final edition under the agreement is expected to take place in 2026.
Following a recent inspection of sports facilities in Lagos by officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC), speculation grew that Lagos might be awarded the 2026 Games.
To address the concerns, NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade, spoke at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.
Olopade confirmed that no decision has been made regarding the 2026 host. He stated that the process is still ongoing and that the official handover of the championship flag will take place at the closing ceremony of the current edition on September 7.
‘Lagos has not been awarded the hosting rights. The decision will be made transparently, and the handover will happen here in Asaba,’ Olopade said.
Olopade also clarified that with the Federal Government’s recent restructuring, the Ministry of Sports Development has been replaced by the National Sports Commission.
However, this change does not automatically cancel existing agreements.
The MoU signed with Delta State remains valid unless there is a legal reason to terminate it. Government contracts typically continue despite changes in agency names or leadership.
The NSC may review the agreement if necessary, but cannot cancel it solely because of the name change.
As of now, Delta State remains the official host of the National Youth Games through 2026. Any change will be formally announced at the closing ceremony.
