EKO 2026 to drive school sports development – LOC

EKO 2026 is being presented as more than a two-week sporting competition. Lagos organisers say the first National Intermediate Games will create a lasting system for finding and developing young athletes through schools and grassroots programmes.

The Games will run from October 1 to 15, 2026, and are expected to bring about 15,000 athletes from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to Lagos. The Local Organising Committee said the event would connect school sports with grassroots participation and elite competition.

Sam Egube, the committee’s chairman, said athletes would receive support after the Games rather than simply leave the competition without a pathway forward. “This is a commitment to human development and to encouraging our sporting system,” he said. “Immediately after the event, athletes will benefit from tangible incentives, opportunities for support, and training.”

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This is a commitment to human development and to encouraging our sporting system.

Egube said new schools would include modern sports facilities, allowing promising athletes to develop within school programmes. He added that the event complemented Lagos State’s investment in sports infrastructure and talent development.

The state began upgrading facilities about three years ago, with projects in Surulere, Ifako, Bariga, Ikorodu, Epe, Agege and Badagry. Organisers say EKO 2026 will help turn those investments into a sustainable grassroots system capable of producing athletes for Nigeria’s elite teams. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the Games would give young athletes the chance to display and improve their abilities while helping Nigeria retain promising talent.

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Immediately after the event, athletes will benefit from tangible incentives, opportunities for support, and training.