<p>By Paschal Madu</p>
<p><strong>More than 14,000 young athletes from across Nigeria are expected to converge on Lagos for the maiden National Intermediate Games, EKO 2026, scheduled to hold from October 1 to 15.</strong></p><p class="ari-link"><strong>Read also:</strong> <a href="https://sparknewsdaily.com.ng/christian-group-appeal-to-tinubu-for-nnamdi-kanus-release/">Christian Group Appeals to Tinubu for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release</a></p>
<p>The Games, being organised as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s grassroots sports development pathway, will bring together emerging athletes from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory for a national platform to compete and showcase their talents.</p>
<p>The National Sports Commission (NSC) said the competition would serve as an important bridge between grassroots participation and elite sports, providing an opportunity to identify athletes with the potential to progress into future national teams.</p>
<p>The commission said athletes discovered during EKO 2026 would be considered alongside selected athletes from the Diaspora to form the core of Nigeria’s Invited Junior Athletes team for the National Sports Festival in Enugu.</p><p class="ari-link"><strong>Read also:</strong> <a href="https://sparknewsdaily.com.ng/shehu-sani-to-opposition-stop-begging-us-eu-to-validate-tinubu-attacks/">Shehu Sani to Opposition: Stop Begging US, EU to Validate Tinubu Attacks</a></p></p>
<p>Participation in the Games will, however, be subject to strict eligibility and verification requirements. Only athletes born between January 1, 2008, and September 30, 2011, will be eligible to compete.</p>
<p>The NSC said NIMC verification, approved identification documents and physical screening would be used to establish the age and identity of participating athletes.</p>
<p>To accommodate the large number of athletes and officials expected in Lagos, the commission said 16 hostels comprising 38 buildings and about 12,800 beds had been earmarked for accommodation.</p>
<p class="ari-link"><strong>Read also:</strong> <a href="https://sparknewsdaily.com.ng/my-conscience-is-clear-shehu-buba-challenges-dss-police-to-probe-banditry-claims/">‘My Conscience Is Clear’, Shehu Buba Challenges DSS, Police to Probe Banditry Claims</a></p><p>It added that feeding arrangements would be decentralised, with breakfast and dinner provided at accommodation centres, while lunch would be served at competition venues.</p>
<p>Transportation for participants will also combine road, rail and water services where appropriate, while medical teams and ambulances will be deployed across competition venues and accommodation facilities.</p>

Over 14,000 Young Athletes Set for EKO 2026 Games in Lagos
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