The Oyo State Government has thrown its weight behind the development of grassroots and intermediate sports by preparing to host the Southwest Zonal Elimination Games for both the National Intermediate Games and the National Sports Festival.
Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke Adefemi, disclosed the state’s readiness during a courtesy visit to the management and staff of the Oyo State Sports Council at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan. The Oyo State Government officially lists Adegoke as Commissioner for Youth and Sports.
Adegoke assured participating athletes, officials and states that the government has put measures in place to ensure that both competitions are successfully hosted.
“The Oyo State Government is fully prepared to host the two major Southwest zonal elimination competitions, and we are committed to providing the necessary support and facilities for successful and hitch-free competitions.”
The first phase, the National Intermediate Games Southwest Zonal Elimination, is scheduled for September 10–13, with Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti expected to compete across a number of team sports.
The events include football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, beach volleyball, cricket, abula, rugby and handball.
The zonal competition is particularly important because the National Intermediate Games are designed to provide a pathway for young athletes to progress towards higher levels of competition. The inaugural Games were originally scheduled for Lagos in October, although the national event has now been moved to the first quarter of 2027 following a review of preparations. The National Sports Commission has nevertheless confirmed that zonal elimination activities will continue.
The official Games platform describes the National Intermediate Games as a competition aimed at discovering the next generation of Nigerian champions, bringing together young athletes from across the country.
Immediately after the Intermediate Games elimination, attention in Oyo will turn to the National Sports Festival Southwest Zonal Elimination, scheduled for September 14–17.
Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti will compete in basketball, volleyball, beach volleyball, cricket and football, with athletes battling for qualification and regional honours.
Adegoke expressed appreciation to the National Sports Commission for choosing Oyo as host, describing the decision as a demonstration of confidence in the state’s sporting capacity.
She also disclosed that events will be spread across major facilities including the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Obafemi Awolowo Stadium and CRIN.
“This opportunity further demonstrates the confidence placed in Oyo State’s ability to host major sporting events.”
Beyond hosting responsibilities, the Commissioner urged Oyo athletes to approach the competitions with determination and a strong winning mentality.
“I urge our athletes to give their best, win laurels and make Oyo State proud. This is another opportunity to showcase the abundance of sporting talents we have in the state.”
The zonal eliminations also come at an important period on Nigeria’s sporting calendar, with the 23rd National Sports Festival, Enugu 2026, scheduled for November 25 to December 11.
For Oyo, the immediate objective is to deliver a successful zonal competition while giving its athletes the platform to earn their places on the bigger national stage.
With two major zonal battles coming back-to-back, Oyo is ready to turn its sporting facilities into a proving ground for the Southwest’s next generation of champions.
