EKO 2026 to Showcase Nigeria's Sporting Talent

Bukola Olopade, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, expressed strong confidence in Lagos State's preparedness to host the inaugural National Intermediate Games, EKO 2026, scheduled for October 1–15. During a joint technical meeting with the Main Organising Committee and the Local Organising Committee, Olopade praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government for their commitment to sports development and youth empowerment.

He noted the importance of discovering young talents through initiatives aimed at secondary school athletes, referencing successful performances in Asaba and Abeokuta. Olopade highlighted that Lagos has demonstrated its capability to provide the necessary systems and facilities for the Games, urging the technical committee to prioritize the event as a significant national sporting competition.

He called on stakeholders to focus their efforts on the Intermediate Games while continuing to address challenges in Nigerian football. The event is expected to gather around 15,000 young athletes from across Nigeria, serving as a platform for talent identification and development.