Several northern states have threatened to boycott the 2026 National Sports Festival scheduled to hold in Enugu State in November, following a controversial reduction in the number of sporting events approved for the competition.
The warning was issued by the Chairman of the Niger State Sports Commission, Abdullahi Masu, while speaking with journalists in Minna. He expressed strong dissatisfaction with the decision of the National Sports Commission to cut down the number of events from 40 to 15.
The National Sports Festival is one of Nigeria’s biggest sporting events, bringing together athletes from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. It is usually seen as a platform for discovering young talents, promoting unity, and preparing athletes for international competitions.
However, the latest decision to reduce the number of sports has sparked tension among some state officials, especially in the northern region, who say the move could weaken participation and discourage athletes.
Masu described the decision as unfair and harmful to sports development in the country. According to him, many states in the North have already invested heavily in training athletes for sports that have now been removed from the festival.
He argued that the reduction in events would not only waste public resources but also deny many athletes the opportunity to compete at a national level.
“Northern states, including Niger, have already invested significant resources over the years in training athletes for the now-excluded events,” he said.
The affected sports reportedly include popular team events such as handball, volleyball, basketball, football, and hockey. These sports are widely played across Nigeria and are considered key components of school and community athletics.
Masu said the removal of these events could have serious consequences for athletes, especially young players who depend on such competitions for exposure and career development.
He warned that the decision could increase unemployment among athletes, as many rely on sports for income, scholarships, or future professional opportunities.
According to him, excluding major sports from the festival undermines grassroots development, which is essential for building a strong national sports system.
The Niger State sports chief also argued that northern states have a comparative advantage in several team sports and would be disproportionately affected by the changes.
He described the situation as a setback to national sports growth and called for an immediate review of the decision.
“The exclusion of these events is a setback to national sports development,” Masu said. “We are calling for the immediate reversal of this decision.”
He urged the National Sports Commission to expand the list of events to ensure broader participation and to protect the interests of athletes across the country.
Masu also raised concerns about the capacity of Enugu State to host the festival under the current arrangement. He suggested that the hosting rights should either be reviewed or shared to ensure inclusivity and proper management of the event.
The 2026 National Sports Festival is expected to be hosted by Enugu State, marking another major sporting event for the South-East region.
However, the growing controversy over event reduction has raised questions about planning, funding, and the overall direction of the competition.
Sports festivals in Nigeria are organised to promote unity among states, encourage youth participation in sports, and identify talented athletes who can represent the country internationally. Over the years, the festival has produced several national and international sports stars.
The decision to reduce the number of events has also sparked wider debate about resource management and priorities within Nigeria’s sports administration.
Some officials argue that reducing the number of sports could help lower costs and improve efficiency in hosting the event. They suggest that focusing on fewer sports may allow better organisation and higher quality competition.
However, critics believe that such reductions limit opportunities for athletes and weaken the original purpose of the festival, which is to promote inclusiveness and national unity through sports.
Stakeholders in the sports sector have called for dialogue between the National Sports Commission and state sports authorities to resolve the disagreement. They stress the need for a balanced approach that considers both financial realities and the development of athletes.
The festival has historically played a key role in Nigeria’s sports development system, serving as a stepping stone for athletes who go on to compete in continental and global competitions.
For many young athletes, the event is one of the few chances to showcase their talents on a national stage. Any reduction in participation opportunities could therefore have long-term effects on sports development in the country.
Masu appealed to the leadership of the National Sports Commission to urgently reconsider the decision and engage stakeholders in order to avoid a boycott.
He warned that limiting participation to only 15 sports federations is not sufficient for a national event of such importance.
As the controversy continues, attention is now on the National Sports Commission to respond to the concerns raised by northern states and other stakeholders.
The outcome of the dispute may determine not only participation in the 2026 festival but also the future structure of one of Nigeria’s most important sporting events.