The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced that the Zonal Elimination for Team Sports is proceeding as scheduled across all geopolitical zones of the country, and it has reassured all participating states and sports federations that the approved timeline of activities is fully in effect.
In accordance with the directive, the Zonal Elimination for Team Sports is holding from the 10th to the 12th of September 2026.
Eleven team sports are featured in the elimination round, namely Abula, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Cricket, Football, Handball, Hockey, Indoor Volleyball, Netball, Rugby, and Wheelchair Basketball. The exercise is designed to determine the teams that will qualify to represent their respective zones at the National Intermediate Games, and all competitions are to be conducted in strict accordance with the approved Technical Manual and the Rules and Regulations governing the Games.
Venues for the Zonal Eliminations have been confirmed across the country. The South South Zonal Elimination will be held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, Cross River State. The North West Zone will use Murtala Muhammad Square in Kaduna, while the North East Zone will compete at the August 27 Stadium in Damaturu, Yobe State. The South West Zonal Elimination will be hosted at Adamasingba Stadium, Oyo State.
Within the Jos cluster in Plateau State, Cricket and Basketball events will be held at Rayfield, while Beach Volleyball will take place at St. John’s College. Hockey competitions are scheduled for the Police Training Field along J.D. Gomwalk Road, and Football will be hosted at the NTA TV College grounds. All remaining events in the Jos cluster will equally be held at Rayfield.
The National Sports Commission remains fully committed to the seamless and successful delivery of the National Intermediate Games and expresses sincere appreciation to all zonal coordinators, state sports councils, sports federations, and partners for their continued cooperation and dedication to the development of grassroots sports across Nigeria.
The inaugural National Intermediate Games will take place in the first quarter of 2027, with Lagos hosting the rest of the nation.
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