Lagos Reaffirms Readiness To Host 2026 National Youth Games

The Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, said the state is prepared to host the 10th edition of the National Youth Games in 2026.

Lagos State had earlier submitted its bid to host the multi-sport event, and as part of the evaluation process, top officials of the Lagos State Sports Commission, alongside a delegation from the National Sports Commission (NSC), embarked on a two-day inspection tour of key facilities across the state.

The tour covered a wide range of venues, beginning with the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere and the National Stadium.

Other inspected facilities included the newly refurbished Elegbata Sports Complex, the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, the Cricket Oval at Tafawa Balewa Square, the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre at Rowe Park in Yaba, the University of Lagos Sports Complex, CMS Grammar School in Bariga, and the Agege Stadium.

Speaking during the inspection, Fatodu highlighted Lagos’ pedigree as a proven host of major sporting events and expressed confidence in delivering what he described as a landmark edition of the games.

“As an experienced host, Lagos is poised to stage a history-making edition of the Youth Games in 2026,” he declared.

He went further to stress that Lagos is approaching the games with a vision that goes beyond competition. “Sports have evolved beyond traditional engagement, they now represent a lifelong pursuit of purpose. That’s the vision Lagos State is committed to,” Fatodu said.

“We want our history to serve as a tool for national cohesion, unity, and youth empowerment. This message will be reflected in our agenda, our theme, and our actions as we prepare to host the youth games. We’ve reignited efforts to reconstruct, renovate, and reposition key facilities across the state.”

Also speaking during the visit, the Director of Grassroots Sports Development and head of the NSC delegation, Amaka Ashiofu, stressed that one of the core objectives of granting hosting rights is to accelerate sports infrastructure development.

She noted that the inspection was designed to identify areas that require upgrades and assured that the commission would work closely with the Lagos State Government to ensure a smooth and successful process.

Meanwhile, Delta State will stage the next edition of the National Youth Games, scheduled to run from August 26 to September 6, before the baton officially passes to Lagos in 2026.