ABUJA — The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, was among top sports administrators and stakeholders present at the inaugural meeting of the Main Organising Committee for the newly introduced National Intermediate Games, described as one of the biggest policy shifts since the re-establishment of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
The meeting, held in Abuja on Tuesday, focused on final preparations and strategic planning ahead of the maiden edition of the Games scheduled to hold in Lagos from October 1 to October 15, 2026.
Read Also: Chidera Ezeakor Blazes to 10.38s Victory in African Championships Heat
Speaking during the meeting, the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the competition as a critical intervention designed to bridge the gap between youth sports and elite-level competitions in Nigeria.
Reacting to the initiative, Adeboye praised the Commission for introducing what he described as a transformational platform capable of reshaping grassroots sports development in the country.
“The National Intermediate Games is a major step in the right direction. This is the kind of structure we need if we truly want to build a sustainable pathway from grassroots sports to elite performance.”
The SSA noted that for years, Nigeria struggled with the transition process for young athletes after youth competitions, stressing that the Intermediate Games now provide a missing link in athlete development.
“This competition creates continuity. It gives young athletes between the ages of 16 and 19 a structured environment to continue developing competitively before transitioning into elite sports.”
Adeboye also commended the leadership of the NSC under Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade for reviving a system similar to the old intermediate sports structure that produced many of Nigeria’s sporting legends in the seventies and eighties.
“Some of Nigeria’s greatest athletes emerged from structured systems like this in the past. Bringing it back is not just about competition—it is about rebuilding a sports culture and creating long-term opportunities.”
The SSA further expressed confidence in Lagos State’s capacity to host a successful and world-class event, noting the state’s long-standing reputation as a major hub for sports in Nigeria.
“Lagos has the infrastructure, experience, and sporting culture to deliver an outstanding competition. I have no doubt the Games will set a new standard.”
The National Intermediate Games will feature athletes aged 16 to 19 competing across 15 compulsory sports, including athletics, football, basketball, boxing, swimming, wrestling, taekwondo, volleyball, and para sports.
Adeboye emphasized that beyond medal competitions, the Games have the potential to become a major platform for talent discovery, youth engagement, and national unity.
“This is about the future of Nigerian sports. We must continue to create platforms that identify talents early, develop them properly, and prepare them for global success.”
As preparations intensify ahead of the October kickoff, the SSA reaffirmed his office’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen grassroots sports structures across the country.
With strong backing from the Presidency, the NSC, and stakeholders nationwide, the National Intermediate Games is already being seen as a landmark project—one aimed at restoring Nigeria’s sporting dominance from the grassroots upward.
