Lagos targets new standard with Intermediate Games

Lagos is gearing up to host the first-ever National Intermediate Games, an event designed to establish a new benchmark for sports competitions in Nigeria. Scheduled from October 1 to 15, the games aim to discover and nurture young athletic talent within a structured pathway.

The National Intermediate Games, themed EKO 2026, fall under the National Sports Commission's Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy. They specifically target athletes between the ages of 15 and 18, a critical developmental stage where consistent competition, monitoring, and support are crucial for progression to elite levels. Lagos, which hosted the inaugural National Sports Festival in 1973, is committed to delivering an exceptional event.

“

We will host excellently. After all, this is the State of Excellence. We want to reassure you that what Mr Governor has said is going to stand. We are going to do everything to make this competition a remarkable one. The kind of record that we are going to set will be something that many other states will try to match.

Sam Egube, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, assured that Lagos, known as the "State of Excellence," would host an event befitting its reputation. He expressed confidence that the records set during these games would inspire other states. The event is expected to attract approximately 15,000 young athletes, fostering national unity and camaraderie beyond the pursuit of medals.

Multiple venues will be utilized across Lagos, including the Teslim Balogun Stadium, National Stadium (Surulere), Rowe Park Sports Centre (Yaba), Agege Township Stadium, Mobolaji Johnson Arena (Onikan), and the Elegbata Sports Complex. Institutional facilities such as the Lagos Tennis Club, TBS Cricket Oval, Yaba College of Technology, and the University of Lagos have also been secured. Several sub-committees have been formed to ensure the smooth execution of the games.

“

Lagos will be welcoming about 15,000 young athletes between the ages of 15 and 18 to compete for glory. But this competition isn’t just about honour; it is about national unity and togetherness. When people come together, nothing can stop them from achieving what they set out to do.