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Sanwo-Olu Inspects Teslim Balogun Stadium, Assures Lagos Is Ready for Historic National Intermediate Games
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.
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen produced a mixed night for Galatasaray on Friday, scoring against İstanbul Başakşehir before being forced off with an injury that could raise concerns over his availability for Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Osimhen opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a stunning effort to put Galatasaray ahead.
Read Also: “My Injury Changed Everything” — Aiyegbeni Reveals How Achilles Blow Ruined Chelsea Move
However, his night was cut short after he appeared to suffer a problem following a challenge with Christopher Operi in the 23rd minute. The Nigerian striker continued briefly but later felt the problem again after making a run behind the defence and signalled that he could not continue.
Osimhen was eventually substituted in the 33rd minute, with Barış Alper Yılmaz coming on as his replacement.
Initial reports describe the problem as a suspected muscle/groin injury, but there is currently no confirmed diagnosis or recovery timeline. Osimhen himself reportedly admitted after the incident that he did not yet know whether the injury was serious.
The timing could be significant for Nigeria.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar on September 23, before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 27.
That leaves Nigeria with just under three weeks before the Madagascar encounter, meaning Osimhen could still have time to recover if the injury proves minor. However, a significant muscle strain or tear could put his participation in doubt.
For now, Osimhen has not been ruled out of the Super Eagles’ upcoming matches, and his availability will depend on further medical examinations and his recovery over the coming days.
The immediate concern for Nigeria will therefore be the results of those assessments.
He scored a spectacular goal, but the biggest question tonight is whether Osimhen will be fit when Nigeria need him most.
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