NATIONAL INTERMEDIATE GAMES MOVED TO Q1 2027

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By:Aminat Tajudeen

The inaugural National Intermediate Games, originally scheduled to take place in Lagos from October 1 to 15, 2026, have been postponed to the first quarter of 2027 to allow for additional preparations and ensure the successful delivery of a world-class event.

The postponement was formally communicated by the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) to the National Sports Commission (NSC) after a comprehensive assessment of preparations by the Local Organising Committee, the NSC and an independent Quality Control and Assurance Specialist.

The assessment followed a Joint Technical Meeting held between September 3 and 6, 2026, and examined proposed venues, sporting events, technical requirements, rules and regulations, as well as other key operational areas.

According to a statement signed by Kola Daniel, Special Adviser on Media to the Office of the Director-General of the NSC, and shared on the Commission’s Facebook page on Wednesday, the review found that the Games could technically go ahead. However, the time remaining was considered inadequate to deliver the maiden edition at the required standard.

The statement said the decision was made to protect the quality, credibility and long-term sustainability of the National Intermediate Games, which are expected to set an operational benchmark for future editions.

Lagos State, the host, has reaffirmed its commitment to staging the Games and will continue preparations in collaboration with the NSC and other stakeholders pending the announcement of a new date by the Local Organising Committee.

The NSC also said activities within its immediate jurisdiction, including accreditation, zonal elimination for team sports and other technical and operational preparations, would continue as scheduled.

The Local Organising Committee will finalise and announce the new date for the Games.

The maiden edition was expected to attract about 15,000 athletes aged between 15 and 18 from across the country.