‘State to host Africa Under-20 Athletics Competition in 2026’
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has assured that all is now set for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Abiodun gave the assurance, yesterday, during the tour of the facilities meant to host the event to assess the level of work done in preparation for the sports festival, including the MKO Abiola International Stadium, the Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, and handball court behind the main bowl, as well as the Alake Sports Centre, all in Abeokuta.

According to the governor, the facilities will not only be used for the upcoming festival but also for national and international competitions.

Abiodun added that the MKO Abiola International Stadium, which is being renovated in preparation for the National Sports Festival, had already been picked by the African Athletics Federation to host the Under-20 athletics competition in 2026.

“The stadium, when completed in preparation for the festival, will no longer be available for non-sporting events in the state,” the governor said.

The governor also disclosed that his administration had chosen to construct a pavilion behind the MKO Abiola Stadium to cater for other non-sporting events, with the main bowl of the stadium dedicated only for sporting events.

He, however, said that plans were underway to rename the stadium as the MKO Abiola Sporting Complex.

He added that the National Sports Festival creates an opportunity for new talents to be discovered for both national and international sporting meets, noting that what his administration has done with the investment in sporting facilities in the state is the best across the country.