The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has been designated as the main host institution for the maiden National Intermediate Games, with 15,000 young athletes expected to be accommodated on its campus when the 15-day sports fiesta begins on October 1.

Tagged Eko 2026, the games were introduced for youths between the ages of 15 and 18 to bridge the gap between teenage competitions and the senior-level National Sports Festival.

All 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are expected to compete for honours in 31 events across 28 sports.
The choice of UNILAG underscores the university’s capacity and its growing role as a hub for sports and academic excellence.

With hostels, dining facilities and the UNILAG Sports Centre located within the campus, organisers said the university provides a secure and conducive environment for young athletes.

Speaking at a media parley in Lagos, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, said Lagos would continue to be at the forefront of sports development in the country.

Omotoso, who also doubles as the Chairman of the Media Committee for ‘Eko 2026,’ stressed that the state was committed to delivering an excellent first edition of the games.

He explained that the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between young sporting talents and professional athletes by identifying and developing future stars for national and international competitions.

The Media Committee Chairman disclosed that various sub-committees had been established to coordinate critical aspects of the games, including security, transportation and athletes’ welfare.

The Chairman of the Eko 2026 Local Organising Committee, Dr Sam Egube, described the event as a major platform for youth development, talent discovery and national cohesion.

Egube, who is also the Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Sanwo-Olu, said the competition would provide opportunities to identify and nurture athletes capable of progressing to the National Sports Festival, continental competitions and eventually the global sporting stage.

He noted that Lagos was leveraging its experience in hosting major international sporting events to deliver a world-class competition and further consolidate its position as Nigeria’s sports hub.

According to him, the games would also provide an economic boost by creating opportunities for small businesses, while giving visitors the chance to experience Lagos’ culture, hospitality and tourist attractions.

In addition to UNILAG, 10 venues across the state have been designated to host competitions. They include the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Rowe Park Sports Centre, Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Yaba College of Technology Sports Centre, Tafawa Balewa Cricket Oval, Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Elegbata Sports Centre
Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, confirmed that preparations were progressing rapidly.

He noted that with only days to the commencement of the games, the state was working to meet all deadlines.
Ogunlende assured athletes, officials and visitors of a safe and memorable experience. He also appealed to the media to provide accurate information, promote the state’s attractions and reassure participants of Lagos’ readiness to host the event.

The Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr Lekan Fatodu, described Lagos as a “serial trailblazer” in sports.

He assured that the state would draw on its wealth of experience in hosting major sporting events to deliver a successful competition.

Fatodu stressed that the mechanisms put in place for this inaugural edition, in conjunction with the National Sports Commission, would make it difficult for age cheats to participate in the games in Lagos.

With UNILAG serving as the primary host village, organisers said ‘Eko 2026’ will not only showcase sporting talent, but also project the university as a centre for youth engagement, research and national development through sports.