Preparations for the 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged “Coal City Games, Enugu 2026,” are gathering momentum as the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Enugu State Government intensify efforts to ensure a successful hosting of the national sporting event.

The National Sports Commission has scheduled a joint technical meeting and inspection of designated sports venues and facilities in Enugu from October 27 to 30, 2026.

According to the commission, the exercise is aimed at assessing the readiness of facilities, addressing technical challenges and reviewing arrangements ahead of the festival, which is scheduled to hold from November 27 to December 11, 2026.

The inspection will take place on Wednesday, October 28, while the joint technical meeting will continue on Thursday, October 29. Participants are expected to include members of the Main Organising Committee, representatives of national sports federations, state directors of sports and media representatives.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Government has assured Nigerians of its commitment to delivering the facilities before the commencement of the games.

Ongoing projects include the reconstruction of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and the development of facilities at the Awgu Games Village, including accommodation, football pitches and athletics tracks.

The National Sports Festival is expected to bring together athletes from across the country to compete in various sporting events, promote national unity and provide opportunities for discovering emerging sporting talents.

The forthcoming festival is also expected to boost tourism, create business opportunities and stimulate economic activities in Enugu State.