Lagos to host inaugural National Intermediate Games in 2026

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced Lagos State as the host for the maiden edition of the National Intermediate Games scheduled for 2026.

This is contained in a statement by Kehinde Ajayi, Director Media, NSC and made available to newsmen on Wednesday.

Ajayi said that the games, under the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Economy (RHINSE) initiative, aimed to identify, monitor, and develop young sporting talents in Nigeria aged between 16 and 19.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, the NSC Chairman, said Nigeria must build a strong grassroots model that would create an organic pathway to the elite level.

He said that sustained international successes depended on having the right structure, adding that the Intermediate Games would help achieve the vision.

“The foundation of lasting sports development is an effective grassroots system, and this is what we are pursuing under the President’s mandate,” Dikko said.

Similarly, the NSC Director General, Mr Bukola Olopade, described the games as a deliberate step to addressing age-related challenges in grassroots sports.

“With the establishment of the National Youth Games and National Sports Festival, the Intermediate Games will bridge the gap and improve grassroots talent progression,” Olopade said.

He added that Lagos hosting the first edition would mark a major milestone in Nigeria’s rich sporting history.