Lagos State has been confirmed as the host city for Nigeria’s inaugural National Intermediate Games, set to debut in 2026. The announcement was made by the National Sports Commission (NSC), which described the event as a landmark step in the country’s sports development agenda.
The multi-sport competition forms part of the NSC’s RHINSE programme — an initiative aimed at identifying, tracking, and nurturing young athletes aged 16 to 19. Officials say the Games will serve as a critical bridge between grassroots events and elite national competitions, ensuring a smoother transition for emerging talents.
NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko said the Intermediate Games would play a central role in establishing a more structured pathway for long-term sporting success.
“We are determined to have a sustainable podium success at international competitions but it will only come with having the right structure that can aid elite success, and the Intermediate Games will strengthen our goals,”
— Shehu Dikko, Chairman, NSC
He added that effective grassroots systems were the foundation of every successful sports development model — a priority the Commission is now pursuing with “renewed focus.”
NSC Director General Bukola Olopade said the creation of the Games was a direct response to long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s youth sports system, particularly in the areas of athlete progression and age categorisation.
“With the National Youth Games and the National Sports Festival fully established, the Intermediate Games will help bridge the gap and give better clarity to our grassroots development drive,” Olopade explained.
“It will also help our young athletes to have better preparations before they move to the elite level.”
Olopade also praised Lagos State’s commitment to hosting the historic maiden edition, calling it a milestone in Nigeria’s “illustrious sporting history.”
The 2026 National Intermediate Games will serve as a development platform for athletes transitioning from the National Youth Games to senior competitions such as the National Sports Festival.
The Commission said the event would help build a continuous and coordinated pathway for discovering and nurturing the next generation of Nigerian sports champions.
About the Author
