Lagos State is set to host about 15,000 young athletes for the maiden National Intermediate Games, in what organisers described as a major step toward talent discovery and grassroots sports development.
Eko Hot News reports that athletes aged between 15 and 18 will compete in 23 compulsory and five optional sporting disciplines during the games scheduled for October 1 to 15, 2026.
The competition will take place across 10 sporting venues in different parts of Lagos State.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Sam Egube, disclosed the details during a media parley in Lagos.
Egube described the games as an important platform for developing young sporting talents and promoting national unity.
He said the initiative would create opportunities for promising athletes to gain competitive experience and prepare for higher levels of sporting activities.
According to him, the games will serve as a pathway for young athletes seeking to progress to the National Sports Festival.
Successful athletes could also have opportunities to compete at continental and international competitions in the future.
Egube said the organisers are focused on identifying talented young Nigerians and providing them with the support needed to develop their abilities.
He noted that early talent identification remains important to the growth of Nigeria’s sporting sector.
The LOC chairman also said Lagos was relying on its experience in hosting major sporting events to deliver a successful first edition.
He described the state as a leading sports destination in Nigeria with facilities and organisational capacity capable of supporting a competition of such scale.
The games are expected to attract athletes, officials, coaches, families and other visitors to Lagos during the 15-day competition.
Egube said the event would also create economic opportunities for small businesses operating around the venues.
Hospitality, transportation, retail and other service providers are expected to benefit from the increased activities associated with the games.
Visitors will also have opportunities to explore Lagos’ cultural attractions, entertainment offerings and hospitality sector.
Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, said preparations for the games were progressing.
He noted that the state was working within a tight timeline to ensure that all arrangements are completed before the opening date.
Ogunlende assured athletes, officials and visitors that Lagos was preparing to provide a memorable experience.
He also appealed to media organisations to provide accurate information about the games and promote the state’s tourism attractions.
The commissioner encouraged the media to highlight Lagos’ preparedness while providing useful information to participants and visitors.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to delivering a successful maiden edition.
Omotoso said the games were designed to bridge the gap between young athletes and the professional sporting environment.
He explained that the competition would help identify athletes with the potential to become future sporting stars.
The commissioner disclosed that several subcommittees had been established to manage different aspects of the event.
These committees are responsible for areas including security, transportation and athletes’ welfare.
Their activities are expected to support smooth coordination throughout the competition.
Omotoso also disclosed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had personally inspected some of the sporting facilities being prepared for the games.
The inspection was aimed at assessing the level of readiness and ensuring that facilities meet the required standards.
The Lagos State Sports Commission is also playing a central role in preparations for the event.
Its Director-General, Lanre Fatodu, described Lagos as a “serial trailblazer” in sports development and event hosting.
Fatodu said the state would draw on its previous experience to deliver an organised and successful National Intermediate Games.
He expressed confidence in the ability of the state’s sports infrastructure and personnel to support the competition.
The National Intermediate Games are expected to provide young athletes with exposure to structured competition.
Beyond winning medals, the organisers believe the event will help participants develop discipline, teamwork and confidence.
The competition could also strengthen the pipeline of athletes available for future national and international assignments.
For Lagos, hosting the inaugural edition represents an opportunity to further strengthen its reputation as a major sports hub.
The state has continued to invest in sporting facilities and youth development initiatives as part of its broader development agenda.
The involvement of young athletes from different parts of Nigeria is also expected to promote interaction and friendship among participants.
Organisers believe the gathering will demonstrate the unifying potential of sports among Nigerian youths.
With preparations continuing across various committees and venues, attention is now focused on ensuring that the facilities, logistics and welfare arrangements are ready before October 1.
The state government has urged stakeholders to work together toward a successful first edition.
The maiden National Intermediate Games are expected to leave a lasting impact on Nigeria’s grassroots sports development.
Through talent discovery and competitive opportunities, the organisers hope to identify the next generation of athletes who can represent Nigeria on bigger stages.
