Enugu State bids to host 2026 National Sports Festival (NSF)

Posted : 04 July 2024

Mr. Boniface Onovo, the Director of Sports at the Enugu State Ministry for Youths and Sports, says the state has sufficient facilities and potential to host the 2026 National Sports Festival (NSF).

Onovo disclosed this in Nsukka while speaking with reporters shortly after guiding officials from the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, Abuja, and Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) of Lagos, the consultants for Enugu State's 2024 Marathon and 2026 NSF bidding.

Onovo mentioned that the officials visited the state to inspect existing sports facilities, as Enugu State is among the states bidding to host the NSF 2026.

The inspections began in Enugu North Senatorial District.

He emphasized that the state possesses everything necessary to host the sports festival.

"Officials from the Federal Ministry of Sports Development in Abuja and Nilayo Sports Management Limited in Lagos are satisfied with the sports facilities they have seen in Enugu North Senatorial District. They inspected facilities such as Nsukka Township Stadium, Akanu Ibiam Stadium, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, among others," he said.

According to the director, the officials will also visit other sports facilities in the Awgu area and the Enugu Capital Territory before leaving the state.

"After their inspections, I will submit the report to the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, who will then forward it to Governor Peter Mbah for necessary actions regarding the bidding," he added.

Onovo explained that hosting the 2026 sports festival would boost economic tourism, expand existing sports facilities, and promote the sports potential and achievements of Enugu State worldwide.

"If Enugu State wins the bid to host NSF 2026, it will not only boost economic tourism but also showcase the sports potential and achievements of the state, while expanding its existing sports facilities," he said.

He appealed to 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 demonstrated 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 clear evidence of the governor’s commitment to youth and sports development," Onovo said.

The visiting team also visited the Enugu Sports Club, where they inspected various sports facilities including the swimming pool, table tennis, and lawn tennis grounds.

Mr. Victor Atuonwu, Chairman of the sports club, conducted the team on a tour of the facilities at the club.

Enugu State bids to host 2026 National Sports Festival (NSF)

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