REPORTER: OKECHUKWU EZEONA
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, has assured that facilities for the 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged “Coal City Games,” will be ready for the event scheduled for November 27 to December 11, 2026. Governor Mbah gave the assurance while inspecting ongoing projects at the Awgu Games Village, one of the venues for the festival, stressing that the abandoned facility would be transformed into a world-class Games Village within two months.
He said that work was progressing on a one-thousand-capacity hostel, indoor and outdoor courts, a standard FIFA football pitch and an eight-lane athletics track. The Governor said that he undertook the inspection because of the tight timeline, and gave the assurance that the facility would cease to be a construction site before the commencement of the Games and accommodate contingents from across the country.
Governor Mbah explained that the massive investment in sports infrastructure was not solely for the National Sports Festival, but part of his administration’s broader vision to make Enugu a preferred destination for investment, business, tourism and living. He described sports as a tool for social cohesion and a major economic opportunity when properly harnessed.
The Governor also announced that the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium was undergoing comprehensive reconstruction to meet FIFA standards, including installation of a new football pitch and athletics track, rehabilitation of spectator stands, upgrading of VIP and VVIP areas, changing rooms, electronic access-control systems, floodlights and scoreboards. He noted that the project also covers a new Olympic-size swimming pool, transformation of the Indoor Sports Hall and upgrading of facilities for basketball, volleyball, squash and other sporting events.
Governor Mbah stressed that Enugu was committed to delivering not only efficient Games but also a memorable experience for athletes, officials and contingents through improved accommodation, logistics and supporting facilities. He was accompanied on the inspection by the Commissioners for Youth and Sports Development, Lloyd Ekweremadu, while the Chairman of Awgu Local Government Area, Mr. Uchenna Okolo, commended the Governor for reviving the Games Village.
