No fewer than 15,000 athletes aged 15 to 18 are expected to converge in Lagos for the maiden National Intermediate Games, competing in 23 compulsory and five optional sporting disciplines at 10 venues across the state.
Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Sam Egube, disclosed this during a media parley in Lagos, describing the event as a major platform for youth development, talent discovery, and national unity.
The games are scheduled to be held from October 1 to 15, 2026, bringing together some of Nigeria’s most promising young sporting talents in what organizers described as a strategic pathway for grassroots sports development.
Egube 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 said 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 allowing visitors to experience Lagos’ culture, hospitality, and tourist attractions.
The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, said preparations were progressing rapidly, noting that the State had only 37 days to the commencement of the games at the time of the media parley
Ogunlende assured athletes, officials, and visitors of a safe and memorable experience while appealing to the media to provide accurate information, promote the state’s attractions, and reassure participants of Lagos’ readiness to host the event.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said the state was committed to delivering an excellent first edition.
Omotoso said the initiative was aimed at bridging the gap between young sporting talents and professional athletes by identifying and developing future stars.
He disclosed that various subcommittees had been established to coordinate critical aspects of the games, including security, transportation, and athletes’ welfare.
The Commissioner added that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had personally inspected some of the sporting facilities as part of preparations for the event.
The Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lanre Fatodu, described Lagos as a “serial trailblazer,” assuring that the state would draw on its wealth of experience in hosting major sporting events to deliver a successful competition.
The organisers said the games would go beyond competition, serving as a platform for talent discovery, youth empowerment, national unity, and grassroots sports development.
