Sanwo-Olu: EKO 2026 Will Help Nigeria Discover, Retain Future Stars

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described the inaugural National Intermediate Games, EKO 2026, as a major opportunity to identify, nurture and retain Nigeria’s emerging sporting talents before they progress to the elite level.

The Games, scheduled for October 1 to 15 in Lagos, are expected to attract between 14,000 and 15,000 athletes. Sanwo-Olu said the hosting of the maiden edition would strengthen grassroots sports development and provide young athletes with a pathway to realise their potential.

‘We are going to be the first state and the first host of this sports festival that will help us achieve what we have all been talking about. We want to hold grassroots sports. We want to encourage young people before they begin to leave. We want to nurture and develop all our children,’ he said.

The governor spoke during an inspection of ongoing rehabilitation works at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, one of the major venues for EKO 2026.

He said the Games would go beyond competition by helping establish a system capable of discovering, developing and retaining promising athletes in Nigeria. Lagos accepted the hosting rights after the National Sports Commission selected the state as the venue for the first National Intermediate Games.

Sanwo-Olu also highlighted the state government’s investment in sports infrastructure over the past three years, with upgrades carried out at facilities in Surulere, Ifako, Bariga, Ikorodu, Epe, Agege and Badagry. At Teslim Balogun Stadium, he inspected the football and athletics arenas, indoor sports hall, volleyball court and swimming pool.

He said the stadium’s main bowl was undergoing major reconstruction, with the football pitch upgraded to FIFA standards and natural grass already installed. The tartan track is expected to be completed within four to six weeks, while work on the swimming pool and other facilities is scheduled to be completed before the Games.

Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence that the venues would be ready for the October event, adding that the National Intermediate Games had provided additional urgency for the rehabilitation programme.