Lagos passes readiness test for maiden National Intermediate Games
By Maxwell Kumoye
Lagos State has received a major vote of confidence ahead of the maiden National Intermediate Games after the Main Organising Committee (MOC) concluded a comprehensive three-day inspection of facilities and infrastructure earmarked for the championship.
The high-powered delegation, led by the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness displayed by the host state, reinforcing expectations that the inaugural event will set new standards for grassroots sports development in Nigeria.
The inspection team toured several key venues scheduled to host competitions, including:
• The Teslim Balogun Stadium
• National Stadium Complex
• National Institute for Sports
• Rowe Park Sports Centre
• Yaba College of Technology
• University of Lagos sports facilities and hostels
• Elegbata Sports Centre
• The Cricket Oval at Tafawa Balewa Square
• The Mobolaji Johnson Arena
The Mobolaji Johnson Arena is being considered for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games.
The inspection exercise ended with a courtesy visit to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who reaffirmed Lagos State's commitment to staging a memorable event.
According to the governor, the state is determined to deliver an event that reflects Nigeria's aspirations for youth and sports development.
"We will host the Games in a very excellent way because it reflects the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians and our commitment to youth and sports development. We will host a Games that will be the envy of stakeholders and custodians of sports across the country," Sanwo-Olu stated.
The governor also praised the leadership of the NSC, commending the working relationship between NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade.
"The National Sports Commission leadership has placed Nigerian sports on the right trajectory. The team is focused, purposeful and committed to results," he said, adding that sports success is driven by deliberate planning, investment and consistent execution.
One of the highlights of the inspection was the ongoing renovation of the Teslim Balogun Stadium. Contractors handling the project assured the delegation that work, which includes the installation of a new playing surface and upgrades to critical infrastructure, remains on schedule for completion by September 2026.
The MOC also inspected indoor sports halls, basketball courts and other competition venues expected to host events during the Games.
Olopade lauded Lagos State's preparations and noted the significance of the state hosting another landmark event in Nigerian sports history.
"It is significant that the first National Sports Festival was hosted in Lagos and now the maiden National Intermediate Games will also take place here," Olopade said.
He pointed to Lagos' recent achievements in hosting international events, including the E1 Powerboat World Championship and the Davis Cup, as evidence of the state's capacity to organize world-class competitions.
"Lagos has shown tremendous commitment to hosting the maiden National Intermediate Games. What we have seen during this inspection exercise gives us confidence that the state is prepared to deliver a competition of the highest standards," he added.
The NSC boss described the National Intermediate Games as a crucial link in the country's athlete development structure, bridging the gap between youth sports and elite competition while creating a sustainable pathway for talent identification and growth.
The Games, one of the flagship initiatives of the National Sports Commission, are designed to strengthen grassroots sports development, provide emerging athletes with greater competitive opportunities and expand Nigeria's talent pool for future continental and global events.
With thousands of athletes, coaches and officials expected from across the federation, the Games is also poised to further cement Lagos' reputation as one of Africa's leading sports destinations.
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