Enugu State will host the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival in 2026, marking its first time as the host since the festival began in 1973.

Enugu State has been selected as the host for the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF) in 2026. This announcement was made by the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.

The decision to award Enugu the hosting rights followed a competitive bidding process and is seen as a significant step toward delivering a world-class sports event.

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Olopade expressed confidence that the coal city would successfully host the festival, which brings together thousands of athletes from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to celebrate sportsmanship and national unity.

Before the 2026 edition, the 22nd NSF is scheduled to take place in Ogun State in January 2025. Ogun, referred to as the Gateway State, is set to host over 15,000 athletes in what is expected to be another world-class sports event.

Olopade, who also served as the former chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the Ogun 2025 NSF, reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to supporting the state in organizing a top-tier competition.

The Games are expected to bring together a large contingent of athletes from across the country, highlighting the importance of fostering sporting talent and national unity.

Enugu’s selection as the host for the 23rd NSF is particularly significant as it marks the first time the state in the South-East will be staging the event since its inception in 1973.

Olopade emphasized that this early selection would give Enugu ample time to prepare for the festival, ensuring a high-quality experience for all participants.

“The festival in Enugu will continue our legacy of excellence, inclusivity, and showcasing the best of Nigerian sports talent,” Olopade said. He also noted that the early announcement of the host state would help enhance the corporate image of the festival.