Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has expressed satisfaction with the progress of rehabilitation works at the Teslim Balogun Stadium and other sporting facilities across the state as preparations intensify for the inaugural National Intermediate Games.

Sanwo-Olu inspected the facilities as Lagos steps up preparations to host the historic competition, which is designed to strengthen the pathway from grassroots sports to elite competition and provide young Nigerian athletes with a platform to develop their talents.

The governor said the rehabilitation of Teslim Balogun Stadium was progressing well, noting that the natural grass pitch has been completed, while work on the new tartan track is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

Other facilities, including the indoor sports halls and swimming pools, are also undergoing upgrades ahead of the Games, with thousands of young athletes expected to converge on Lagos.

The National Intermediate Games was introduced by the National Sports Commission as part of efforts to bridge the gap between grassroots competitions and elite-level sport. The maiden edition is scheduled for September 2026, with Lagos selected as host.

Sanwo-Olu said the investment in sports infrastructure extends beyond hosting the Games, stressing that Lagos has spent the past three years rehabilitating and developing sporting facilities across several parts of the state.

“Our young people deserve quality facilities close to home. We want them to discover their talents, compete with confidence and see a future for themselves in sports right here in Nigeria,” the governor said.

He highlighted ongoing development across areas including Surulere, Ikorodu, Epe, Agege and Badagry, describing the projects as part of a broader strategy to bring sporting opportunities closer to young people across Lagos.

The governor also reaffirmed Lagos’ readiness to host the maiden National Intermediate Games to a high standard, building on the state’s reputation for staging major sporting events.

The Main Organising Committee of the Games, led by National Sports Commission Director-General Bukola Olopade, had earlier inspected competition venues, accommodation facilities and other support infrastructure across Lagos and expressed satisfaction with the state’s level of preparedness. Contractors handling the Teslim Balogun Stadium rehabilitation also indicated that the project remains on schedule for delivery ahead of the Games.

With work continuing across the city’s sporting infrastructure, Lagos is now preparing to welcome the next generation of Nigerian athletes for the maiden National Intermediate Games, with the competition expected to play a significant role in strengthening the country’s long-term talent-development pathway.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has commended the Lagos State Government for what he described as a remarkable transformation of the state’s sporting infrastructure, following an inspection visit to the newly rehabilitated Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.

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Hon. Adeboye, who toured the facility, expressed delight at the quality of work executed, particularly the installation of a natural grass playing surface built to international standards, describing the development as a major boost to sports development in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole.

The Presidential aide noted that the impressive rehabilitation of Teslim Balogun Stadium, alongside the continued upgrade of the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, and the excellent condition of the Agege Stadium, demonstrates the Lagos State Government’s commitment to providing modern sporting facilities capable of nurturing talents and hosting major local and international competitions.

“World-class facilities are the foundation of world-class athletes. What I have seen here at the Teslim Balogun Stadium is truly commendable. The quality of work, especially the natural grass pitch and the overall standard of the facility, reflects a genuine commitment to sports development.”

Hon. Adeboye praised Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for prioritising sports infrastructure as part of his administration’s developmental agenda, noting that quality facilities remain one of the most important ingredients for discovering and developing future champions.

He also applauded the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, and his team for their dedication and effective supervision of the rehabilitation projects, which he said have restored confidence in Lagos as one of Nigeria’s leading sporting destinations.

According to the SSA, the renewed look of Teslim Balogun Stadium and the impressive condition of Agege Stadium are clear indications that Lagos is reclaiming its place as the home of sports excellence in Nigeria.

“Lagos is setting an example for other states to follow. When government deliberately invests in quality sporting infrastructure, it creates opportunities for talent discovery, athlete development and the successful hosting of major competitions. This is the kind of investment that guarantees long-term success in sports.”

Hon. Adeboye stressed that modern facilities are essential to the Federal Government’s vision of strengthening grassroots sports development, explaining that young athletes can only maximise their potential when they train and compete in environments that meet international standards.

He reiterated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, remains committed to expanding access to quality sporting infrastructure across the country as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, with particular emphasis on grassroots sports development.

The Presidential aide disclosed that his office is already advancing plans to improve sports infrastructure at the grassroots level, including the proposed construction of community and school sports facilities across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas, to ensure that talented young Nigerians have access to quality environments where they can develop their abilities.

“Our vision is to replicate this kind of infrastructure development across Nigeria. Every community deserves functional sporting facilities because that is where champions are discovered. If we are serious about producing future Olympians, world champions and football stars, then we must continue investing in quality infrastructure from the grassroots.”

Hon. Adeboye expressed optimism that the continued collaboration between the Federal Government, state governments and the private sector would accelerate the growth of Nigerian sports and provide a sustainable foundation for future generations of athletes.