- A bridge between grassroots tournaments and elite sports
- The new event would improve athlete progression
- The National Intermediate Games will serve as a development platform for emerging athletes
Lagos State was confirmed by the National Sports Commission (NSC) to host Nigeria’s first National Intermediate Games in 2026, a key part of the RHINSE programme aimed at nurturing young sporting talent.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the new competition will focus on athletes aged 16 to 19, serving as a bridge between grassroots tournaments and elite sports to provide a clear pathway for young athletes.
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Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, said Nigeria must build a sustainable system for discovering and developing talent to achieve lasting success at global competitions. He stressed that the Intermediate Games would help strengthen the country’s long-term sports goals.
Dikko added that every effective sports development strategy must begin with a functional grassroots system. He said the commission is working with renewed focus under the directive of the President to revive grassroots sports.
Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, said the Intermediate Games were created to address long-standing gaps in Nigeria’s grassroots sports structure. He explained that the new event would improve athlete progression, promote fair age categorisation, and enhance overall talent development.
Olopade said the initiative complements existing competitions such as the National Youth Games and the National Sports Festival. He noted that it would give young athletes better preparation before advancing to elite-level competitions.
He praised Lagos State for agreeing to host the inaugural edition, calling it a landmark moment in Nigeria’s sporting history.
The 2026 National Intermediate Games will serve as a development platform for emerging athletes, ensuring continuity and coordination in the nation’s sports talent pipeline.
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