The Enugu State Government has intensified preparations for the forthcoming National Sports Festival, as rehabilitation and modernisation work progresses at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

The state’s Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engineer Ben Osy Okoh, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the stadium to assess progress on the ongoing projects.

According to the state government’s Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, construction work has commenced on the stadium’s exterior cladding and athletics track, while the Olympic-size swimming pool and its pavilion are also under construction.

The main playing pitch is reportedly nearing completion as the state works towards ensuring that the facility is ready to host the national sporting event.

The 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged Coal City Games 2026, is scheduled to take place in Enugu from November 27 to December 11, 2026.

The event is expected to bring together athletes and sports officials from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory to compete in various sporting activities.

The festival is also expected to create opportunities for tourism, hospitality businesses and local commerce, while showcasing Enugu State’s sporting infrastructure.

The state government says the ongoing improvements form part of its efforts to provide modern sporting facilities and ensure a successful hosting of the event.