The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering a successful maiden National Intermediate Games, describing the competition as a major step in building a stronger and more deliberate pathway from grassroots sport to elite competition.
Adeboye made the remarks on Saturday during another round of facility inspections in Lagos ahead of the Games, scheduled for October 1 to 15, 2026.
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Representing the Director General of the National Sports Commission at the inspection, the SSA joined the Head of Grassroots Development, Niyi Beyioku, members of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Local Organising Committee (LOC) and other officials to assess facilities and strengthen preparations for the historic competition.
The inspection began at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, where the team examined the stadium turf, indoor sports hall and other facilities earmarked for the Games.
The delegation subsequently inspected the National Stadium Complex, National Institute for Sports (NIS), Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba College of Technology, University of Lagos sports facilities and hostels, Elegbata Sports Centre, the Cricket Oval at Tafawa Balewa Square, and Mobolaji Johnson Arena, which is being considered for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
For Adeboye, the inspection was not merely about checking venues ahead of a competition. He said it was part of the broader responsibility of ensuring that Nigeria begins to build a credible sporting pathway for young athletes.
“The National Intermediate Games is not just another competition. It is about the future of Nigerian sports. We are creating a platform where young talents can be identified, properly assessed, developed and given the opportunity to progress to the next level.”
He stressed that grassroots sports development must be supported by proper infrastructure, effective organisation and regular opportunities for young athletes to compete.
“Talent is everywhere in Nigeria. What has been missing in many cases is the structure and opportunity to take that talent from discovery to development. This is why the Intermediate Games are very important to us.”
The SSA commended the MOC and LOC for the work being done across the various venues and expressed confidence that continued collaboration between the National Sports Commission, Lagos State Government, sporting institutions and other stakeholders would produce a successful Games.
Following the facility tour, the MOC and LOC held a technical meeting to review operational, technical and logistical matters and identify areas requiring further attention before the arrival of athletes.
A total of 28 sports have been pencilled down for the maiden edition, with athletes expected to arrive from October 1, ahead of the Opening Ceremony on October 5.
The Games are designed for athletes in the Under-19 category, providing a crucial competitive platform for young athletes at a formative stage of their sporting careers.
Participants will come from all 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, while Nigerian athletes in the diaspora will also participate as a single contingent.
Adeboye said the inclusion of athletes from across the country would make the Games an important national talent pool and provide the opportunity to discover athletes who could eventually represent Nigeria at continental and global competitions.
“We want the boy or girl competing in a community today to know that there is a pathway. From grassroots competitions, to the Intermediate Games, to the National Sports Festival and ultimately to the national teams — that pathway must be clear.”
He added that the success of the Games would depend not only on the medals won but also on what happens to the young athletes after the competition.
“The real measure of success will be what we do with the talents we discover. We must not discover them and leave them behind. We have to develop them, support them and create the next stage of their journey.”
The SSA therefore called for continued cooperation among governments, sports federations, schools, clubs, private-sector partners and other stakeholders to ensure that the Games become a sustainable component of Nigeria’s long-term sports development strategy.
The inspection and subsequent technical meeting underline the determination of the organisers to ensure that the inaugural National Intermediate Games are delivered to a high standard, with athlete welfare, facility readiness, safety and effective competition management given priority.
