NSC considering northern state to host National Sports Festival

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has revealed that following the upcoming National Sports Festival (NSF) scheduled for Enugu State in September 2026, the Commission will consider one of the northern states as the next possible host. Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the ongoing 2nd National Council […]

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has revealed that following the upcoming National Sports Festival (NSF) scheduled for Enugu State in September 2026, the Commission will consider one of the northern states as the next possible host.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the ongoing 2nd National Council on Sports meeting in Calabar, Olopade said there had been a robust debate on how northern states could be given the opportunity to host the Festival.

He noted that the Commission is also exploring ways to reduce the cost of hosting the event so that even states considered “less resourced” can have the chance to host—not only the Festival but also the Youth Games and the Intermediate Games.

“These are some very radical changes that have been introduced today,” he said.

 

Another major decision, according to him, is a renewed focus on reshaping and reframing insurance and welfare packages for athletes, both locally and internationally.

“We have agreed on a template that will ensure Nigerian athletes are happy to go out and come back feeling safe—that their health, their lives, and even the properties they travel with are adequately secured.”

When asked about his vision for the next two to five years, particularly regarding the “radical changes” introduced over the past year, he said he was encouraged by the growing media interest in exploring revenue opportunities in sports.