Enugu State has officially entered the bid to host the 2026 National Sports Festival (NSF), with the Director of Sports, Enugu State Ministry for Youths and Sports, Mr. Boniface Onovo, asserting the state’s readiness.
Onovo made the announcement in Nsukka on Wednesday after conducting an inspection tour with officials from the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, Abuja, and Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML), the consultant for Enugu State’s 2024 Marathon and 2026 NSF bid.
He explained that the inspection team was in the state to evaluate existing sports facilities, beginning with the Enugu North Senatorial District.
“Officials from the Federal Ministry of Sports Development and Nilayo Sports Management Limited have expressed satisfaction with the sports facilities in Enugu North Senatorial District,” Onovo stated. “They inspected the Nsukka Township Stadium, Akanu Ibiam Stadium, and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, among others.”
The inspection will continue with visits to sports facilities in the Awgu axis and Enugu Capital Territory before the officials depart the state.
“After their inspections, I will submit a report to the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, who will forward it to Governor Peter Mbah for necessary actions toward the bidding,” Onovo said.
He emphasized that hosting the 2026 sports festival would boost economic tourism, expand existing sports facilities, and highlight the sports potentials and achievements of Enugu State on a global stage.
“If Enugu State wins the hosting rights for NSF 2026, it will significantly enhance the state’s economic tourism, market our sports potentials and achievements, and expand existing sports facilities,” he added.
Onovo called on the people of Enugu, both at home and in the diaspora, to support Governor Mbah’s bid for the state to host the 2026 NSF.
“Governor Mbah has shown through words and actions since assuming office on May 29, 2023, that he is youth and sports-friendly. The recent victory of Rangers Football International in winning the 2023 National League trophy is a testament to his commitment to the development of youths and sports,” Onovo said.
The visiting team also inspected the Enugu Sports Club, including the swimming pool, table tennis, and lawn tennis facilities, with the tour conducted by the club’s chairman, Mr. Victor Atuonwu.
