Organisers expect more than 14,000 athletes from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside athletes from the diaspora, to participate in the inaugural edition.

The NSC boss added that the foundation being laid should ensure the Intermediate Games evolve into a national sporting platform beyond the inaugural edition

Yusuf Alli states EKO 2026 will reveal states genuinely developing grassroots athletes versus those poaching talent, focusing on youth sports development.