Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah says preparations are on track for the 23rd National Sports Festival, with all venues expected to be ready before the Games begin on November 27, 2026.
The festival, branded the Coal City Games, will run until December 11. During a weekend visit to Awgu Games Village, Mbah reviewed construction work and said the long abandoned site was being transformed into a modern facility in time to host athletes from across the country.
Work at the village includes a 1,000 bed hostel, indoor and outdoor courts, a FIFA standard football pitch and an eight lane athletics track. Mbah said the tight schedule made regular inspections essential and reiterated that the festival dates would not be changed.
He said the projects were part of a broader plan to make Enugu a destination for business, investment, tourism and living, rather than developments built solely for the festival. The governor also described sports as a source of social connection and a significant business opportunity.
At Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, a major upgrade is under way. Plans include a new football pitch and athletics track, repaired spectator seating, a canopy over the stands, improved VIP areas and changing rooms, electronic access controls, new scoreboards and upgraded lighting and electrical systems.
The wider stadium complex is also set for improvements, including a new Olympic size swimming pool, a refurbished indoor sports hall and upgraded facilities for volleyball, basketball, squash and other sports. Mbah said the aim was to create a multi sport venue and provide athletes with a positive experience, from accommodation and transport to competition facilities.
The governor was accompanied on the Awgu visit by several commissioners, project officials and Awgu Local Government Chairman Uchenna Okolo, who praised the work to revive the Games Village.
