Makinde’s Government Affirms Readiness As Oyo Hosts Southwest Sports Eliminations

Oyo State will play host to athletes from across the Southwest as preparations begin for two major zonal elimination competitions ahead of the National Intermediate Games and the National Sports Festival.

The Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke, made the announcement on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, during a visit to the management and staff of the Oyo State Sports Council at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

The Commissioner said the state government has put all necessary structures in place to ensure the smooth hosting of both events. She assured visiting states, athletes, coaches and officials of adequate facilities and logistics for a hitch-free competition, adding that the choice of Oyo by the National Sports Commission reflects the trust in the state’s capacity to deliver world-class sporting events.

According to Hon. Adegoke, the Southwest elimination for the National Intermediate Games will be held in Oyo State from September 10 to 13, 2026. The main National Intermediate Games are expected to hold in Lagos in the first quarter of 2027. She noted that immediately after that, the state will also host the Southwest zonal elimination for the National Sports Festival from September 14 to 17, 2026. The National Sports Festival proper is scheduled for Enugu between November 25 and December 11, 2026.

For the National Intermediate Games qualifiers, five states including Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti will compete for spots in Football, Hockey, Basketball, Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Cricket, Abula, Rugby and Handball. The National Sports Festival zonal elimination will feature six states: Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti, competing in Basketball, Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Cricket and Football.

The Commissioner listed the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium and CRIN as some of the venues that will be used for the various sporting events. She stated that the Ministry of Youth and Sports, working with the Oyo State Sports Council, will provide all required support to guarantee the success of the competitions.

Hon. Adegoke also urged athletes representing Oyo State to go into the games with focus, discipline and determination. She encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunity to excel, win medals and project the wealth of sporting talent in the state.

She described the hosting of the two zonal eliminations as another demonstration of the commitment of the Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde to sports development and youth engagement. The government, she said, remains dedicated to nurturing talents and making Oyo a preferred destination for national sporting events.