The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olapade, has expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness and quality of sporting facilities in Enugu State, declaring the state ready to host the 23rd edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged CoalCity 2026 Games.
Represented by the Director of the National Sports Festival, Mrs. Thecla Opara, who led a seven-man inspection committee, Olapade commended the standard and spread of sports venues across the state.
Read Also: Amaju Pinnick says Super Eagles have ‘no excuses’ ahead of Morocco World Cup playoff showdown
She particularly praised the Enugu International Conference Centre, the proposed venue for Taekwondo, Wrestling, and Weightlifting, describing it as “a monumental edifice.”
The team also inspected other facilities, including the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu Sports Club (for Tennis, Badminton, and Golf), the Parliament Building of the Post-Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB) designated for Boxing, and the College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC) for field events.
“I am impressed with the facilities at the International Conference Centre. If you look around, you will see this is a big place, and work is ongoing in other venues as well. From what we have observed, I believe that in two or three months, Enugu will be about 70 percent ready for the festival,” she stated.
Opara further assured that, with continued support from the Enugu State Government and the National Sports Commission, the state would deliver a world-class and seamless sporting festival.
In his remarks, the Secretary General of the CoalCity Games Local Organising Committee (LOC), Mr. Bamiduro Olumide, expressed appreciation to the NSC for granting Enugu the hosting rights, assuring that preparations were progressing steadily.
“A lot has been put in place to ensure the festival will not be shifted. All hands are on deck. The International Conference Centre is a magnificent edifice, and from what we can see, Enugu is ready to host a festival of international standard,” he said.
Olumide also described Enugu as a major tourist destination, noting its warmth and hospitality would make it an attractive venue for visitors from across Nigeria.
“Enugu is a tourist centre — the capital of the old Eastern Region. Its hospitality will bring people from all over Nigeria to experience the CoalCity Games,” he added.
Members of the inspection delegation included Mrs. Thecla Opara (leader and representative of the DG), the President of the Paralympic Games of Nigeria, and Mr. Bamiduro Olumide (LOC Secretary General). Others were Mr. Sunday Olabode (Deputy Director, NSC), Mr. Abobi Oladipupo (Assistant Director), Mrs. Hauwa Saibu, Mr. Balewa Augustine, and Mr. Kola Daniel, Special Adviser on Media to the DG.
Present during the inspection were members of the CoalCity Games LOC, including Mr. Boniface Onovoh, Mr. Ephraim Ochonma, Mr. Obiora Obasi, Mr. Dan Onwuegbuna (Director of Information), and Mr. Blaise Ude (Deputy Director, Coaching).
, Bukola Olapade, has expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness and quality of sporting facilities in Enugu State){kind=link}