Sanwo-Olu Says EKO 2026 ‘ll Harness, Retain Nigeria’s Young Talents

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said the inaugural National Intermediate Games, EKO 2026, will provide a vital platform to identify, harness, and retain Nigeria’s young sporting talents before they progress to the elite level.

Scheduled for October 1–15, the Games are expected to feature between 14,000 and 15,000 athletes.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described the event as a landmark opportunity to strengthen grassroots sports development and create pathways for emerging athletes to realise their potential.

He noted that Lagos accepted the hosting rights after the National Sports Commission selected the state as the venue for the maiden edition of the National Intermediate Games.

“We are going to be the first state and the first host of this sports festival that will help us achieve what we have all been talking about. We want to hold grassroots sports. We want to encourage young people before they begin to leave. We want to nurture and develop all our children,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor spoke during an inspection of ongoing rehabilitation works at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere — one of the major venues for the Games. He explained that the competition would not only help discover and develop talents but also establish a system capable of retaining promising athletes in Nigeria.

Sanwo-Olu added that Lagos’ investment in sporting infrastructure formed part of a broader strategy to strengthen sports development across the state. Over the past three years, his administration has embarked on comprehensive upgrades of facilities in Surulere, Ifako, Bariga, Ikorodu, Epe, Agege, and Badagry.

At Teslim Balogun Stadium, the governor inspected the football and athletics arenas, indoor sports hall, volleyball court, and swimming pool.

He revealed that the main bowl was undergoing major reconstruction, with the football pitch upgraded to FIFA standards and natural grass already installed. The tartan track is expected to be completed within four to six weeks, while work on the swimming pool and other facilities will be finished ahead of the Games.

Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence that Teslim Balogun Stadium and other venues would meet required standards before October, noting that the National Intermediate Games had added urgency to the state’s rehabilitation efforts.

He stressed that the Games would go beyond competition, helping to build a sustainable grassroots sports system capable of producing athletes for Nigeria’s elite teams.

With thousands of young athletes expected to participate, EKO 2026 will serve as a major platform for talent identification and showcase Lagos’ commitment to nurturing grassroots athletes into future national and international stars.