Enugu State will host the 23rd National Sports Festival, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced.
The NSC made the announcement after its senior management meeting on Thursday.
This will mark the first time since the festival’s inception in 1973 that the Coal City state will host the prestigious event.
Enugu will take the hosting baton from Ogun State which will host the 22nd National Sports Festival in January 2025 dubbed the “Gateway Games.”
According to Bukola Olopade, Director General of the NSC and former head of the Local Organising Committee, more than 15,000 athletes are expected to compete in Ogun
He added that the NSC is committed to delivering a top-tier competition in Ogun.
“It’s a huge pleasure to announce that, based on recommendations from the office of the DG and technocrats at the NSC, the next host of the 23rd National Sports Festival will be Enugu State,” Olopade said.
He highlighted the significance of announcing the next host ahead of the current festival, a departure from the tradition of waiting until the closing ceremony.
“This approach ensures that Enugu will have over two years to prepare its facilities and organize a spectacular cultural display for the closing ceremony in Abeokuta,” he added. “This will give the festival an international touch and enhance its overall appeal.”
Enugu’s selection as the host is partly due to its existing quality facilities. This early decision provides the state with ample time to prepare and ensure an outstanding event in 2027.
