The inaugural National Intermediate Games, earlier scheduled to be held in Lagos from October 1 to 15, 2026, have been postponed to the first quarter of 2027 to allow for further preparations and ensure a successful world-class event.

The postponement was formally communicated by the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) to the National Sports Commission (NSC) following a comprehensive review of preparations by the Local Organising Committee, the NSC, and an independent Quality Control and Assurance Specialist.

The review followed the Joint Technical Meeting held from September 3 to 6, 2026, and covered proposed facilities, sporting events, technical requirements, rules and regulations, as well as other critical operational areas.

According to a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media, Office of the Director-General, National Sports Commission, Kola Daniel, and posted on its Facebook page on Wednesday, the assessment established that the Games could technically proceed, but the time remaining was considered insufficient to deliver the inaugural edition to the desired standard.

“While the review established that the Games could technically proceed, it also determined that the remaining timeframe may not be sufficient to deliver the inaugural edition to the standard befitting Lagos and an event of national significance,” the statement said.

The NSC explained that the decision was taken to protect the quality, credibility and long-term success of the Games, which are expected to establish an operational benchmark for subsequent editions.

“The postponement is intended to safeguard the quality, credibility and long-term success of the National Intermediate Games, which is expected to establish an operational benchmark for future editions,” it added.

Lagos State, the host, has reaffirmed its commitment to staging the Games and will continue preparations in collaboration with the National Sports Commission and other stakeholders pending the announcement of a new date by the LOC.

Meanwhile, the NSC said its programme towards the Games would continue as planned, including accreditation, zonal elimination for team sports and other technical and operational activities within its immediate purview.

The new date for the National Intermediate Games will be finalised and announced by the Local Organising Committee.

PUNCH Online had reported that Lagos was set to host about 15,000 young athletes aged between 15 and 18 for the maiden National Intermediate Games scheduled to hold from October 1 to 15, 2026. (PUNCH)