Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has given a firm assurance that the 23rd National Sports Festival, Enugu 2026, will go ahead as scheduled, ordering immediate action on outstanding preparations and daily monitoring of progress across all areas.
Mbah gave the directive on Wednesday when the Main Organising Committee (MOC) Advisory Team, led by consultant Dr Kweku Tandoh, paid a strategic working visit to the Enugu State Government House to brief him on preparations for the Coal City Games.
Following extensive deliberations, the governor directed the immediate resolution of issues raised by the advisory team and constituted a monitoring team that will provide him with daily updates on the progress of work.
The governor also ordered the immediate activation of the Local Organising Committee Secretariat as the operational centre for the Games, alongside the activation of all LOC subcommittees.
In a move aimed at improving efficiency, Mbah approved the reduction of the subcommittees from 19 to 13, saying the streamlined structure would enhance coordination and accountability.
Most importantly, the governor made it clear that there would be no postponement of the Games.
He assured the delegation that all sporting infrastructure earmarked for the festival, including the Games Village and competition venues, would be completed ahead of the November 27 commencement date.
The National Sports Commission has already confirmed that the Coal City Games will hold from November 27 to December 11, 2026, with the arrival of states scheduled for November 25 and 26.
Mbah also directed the immediate activation of the festival’s media, publicity and marketing campaigns to build nationwide awareness, excitement and mobilisation ahead of the Games.
The governor further expressed his desire to maintain regular meetings with the MOC Advisory Team to review progress and quickly address any challenges that could affect delivery.
The development comes as Enugu intensifies work on major facilities, including the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Games Village in Awgu and aquatic facilities. The NSC recently expressed confidence in the state’s preparations, although some venues still require finishing touches.
The 2026 edition is particularly significant as it marks the first time Enugu State will host the National Sports Festival, and only the second South-East hosting since Imo staged the Games in 1998.
The advisory team, which included Dr Emmanuel Igbinosa, Sunday Odebode, Idowu Oladipupo and LOC Secretary-General Olumide Bamiduro, conveyed the goodwill of NSC Director-General and MOC Chairman Bukola Olopade to Governor Mbah.
The delegation commended Enugu for accepting the hosting responsibility and assured the governor of the NSC and MOC’s full cooperation.
With the governor now demanding daily progress reports and insisting there will be no shift in dates, Enugu 2026 has entered a decisive countdown — with preparations under close watch.
