Eko 2026: Mobolaji Johnson Arena Tipped For Opening Ceremony Of National Intermediate Games
By Saheed Afolabi
The Main Organizing Committee (MOC) and Local Organizing Committee (LOC) have settled for the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan to be the venue for the opening and closing ceremony of the National Intermediate Games 2026 tagged Eko 2026 after the thorough inspection done by the National Sports Commission (NSC).
The MOC and LOC on Saturday conducted another inspection of key facilities in Lagos in preparation for the first National Intermediate Games, scheduled for October 1 to 15, 2026.
The tour was led by the Head of Grassroots Development, Niyi Beyioku, with the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Development, Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, representing the Director-General of the National Sports Commission.
The inspection began at Teslim Balogun Stadium, where the team assessed the turf, indoor sports hall and other infrastructure earmarked for the Games. LOC officials guided the delegation through the facilities as they evaluated readiness and suitability for competition.
The team later visited several other major venues, including the National Stadium Complex in Surulere, the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Rowe Park Sports Centre, Yaba College of Technology, the University of Lagos sports facilities and hostels, Elegbata Sports Centre, the Cricket Oval at Tafawa Balewa Square, and Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.
After the facility tour, the MOC and LOC held a technical meeting to discuss operational and technical issues and further strengthen preparations for the successful delivery of the Games.
A total of 28 sports have been approved for the inaugural National Intermediate Games. Athletes are expected to arrive from October 1, with the Opening Ceremony set for October 5.
The multi-sport competition, organised under the authority of the National Sports Commission, aims to develop and identify young sporting talents across Nigeria. It is designed for Under-19 athletes born between January 1, 2008, and September 30, 2011.
Competitors will be drawn from all 36 states of the Federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and diaspora athletes, who will compete as a single contingent during the two-week event in Lagos.
Notable members of the inspection team included Yusuf Alli, Olalekan Alabi and Kola Daniel (Senior Special Assistant on Media to the DG of the National Sports Commission), alongside other officials from the NSC, MOC and LOC.
The inspection reflects the organisers’ commitment to ensuring that all facilities, technical arrangements and operational structures are fully in place for a safe, competitive and successful maiden edition of the National Intermediate Games.
