The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has reaffirmed that the 2026 National Sports Festival will go ahead as scheduled, despite concerns over the readiness of sporting facilities in Enugu State.

Olopade gave the assurance after inspecting the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and other venues designated for the 23rd edition of the festival, tagged Coal City Games.

He expressed satisfaction with the progress of work, saying funding and equipment for the competition had been secured as preparations entered their final stage.

The NSC chief disclosed that the swimming pool would be ready by November 18, while the tartan track would be laid in the coming days.

He also confirmed that buses required to transport athletes and officials during the competition were ready.

Olopade criticised suggestions that the festival could be postponed, insisting that the authorities had already communicated their position on the event’s schedule.

He recalled that when Lagos State requested a postponement, the commission publicly clarified its position, questioning why similar speculation had resurfaced despite assurances from the organisers and the host state.

The festival is projected to attract sponsorship worth between ₦12bn and ₦15bn, which Olopade said would make it the best-sponsored National Sports Festival in Nigeria’s history.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to declare the competition open on November 28, while participating athletes and officials are scheduled to begin arriving in Enugu on November 26.

About 12,000 athletes and officials from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to participate in the sporting event.

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has been commended by the NSC director-general for his commitment to ensuring the successful hosting of the festival.