Confusion persists over the number of events to be contested at the Coal City Games 2026, despite a recent meeting between the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Forum of Directors of Sports in Nigeria (FDSN). The issue remains unresolved, with conflicting statements from both parties.
Background of the Dispute
State directors had earlier expressed dissatisfaction with plans to reduce the number of events to 15, arguing that they had invested time and resources in preparing athletes for events that would be excluded. At an extraordinary meeting held last weekend in Abuja, NSC Director General Bukola Olopade and the Forum agreed to increase the number of events to 27. Olopade explained that some team sports were initially omitted due to high costs, as they yield only one medal compared to individual sports.
Forum's Clarification
However, in a sudden reversal, the Forum's Acting Chairman, Mr. Nunayon Travih, told The Guardian that the earlier report was unauthorized. He stated, "The Forum hereby categorically states that a recent publication that the number of sports has been increased from 20 to 27 for the Coal City Games was neither authorised nor officially issued by the Acting Chairman, Mr. Nunayon Travih, the Secretary-General, Mr. Tunde Ajibike, nor any authorised organ of the Forum." He emphasized that the publication did not represent the official position or resolutions of the meeting.
Meeting Outcomes
Travih explained that during the meeting, Olopade provided detailed explanations on the rationale behind the selected sports and restructuring of the festival format. It was stressed that the NSC retains the right to determine the festival's structure in line with national objectives and international best practices. The proposed reduction aimed to reduce financial and logistical burdens on host states, encourage more bids, enhance efficiency, and align with global standards like the Commonwealth Games.
At the conclusion, 15 compulsory sports and five optional ones were selected. Compulsory sports include athletics, para athletics, badminton, para badminton, basketball, wheelchair basketball, boxing, cycling, football, gymnastics, judo, mixed martial arts, swimming, table tennis, para table tennis, tennis, taekwondo, weightlifting, para powerlifting, and wrestling. Optional sports are cricket, canoeing, para canoeing, darts, golf, shooting, and para shooting.
Clarification on Para Sports
Travih clarified that confusion arose from the inclusion of para sports categories, which are internationally recognized as integral parts of their respective sports, not separate events. He said, "The inclusion of Para Sports remains consistent with global best practices in inclusive sports development and does not alter the approved number of sports for the National Sports Festival."
Forum's Position
The Forum made professional submissions advocating for additional team sports and broader participation. Travih noted, "These submissions were made constructively and in the collective interest of strengthening sports development, inclusiveness, and effective sports administration in Nigeria." The Forum acknowledged economic realities and the need for reforms to reduce hosting demands, encouraging more states to bid for future editions.
The Forum remains committed to constructive engagement with the NSC and stakeholders for sustainable sports development and national unity.
