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Abuja, FCT – By Prime Brief Media

A major crisis threatening the 2026 National Sports Festival, dubbed the Coal City Games, could be resolved or deepened on Monday when the National Sports Commission convenes an emergency meeting with all Directors of Sports in Abuja.

The gathering was called after at least six states from the North and South-South zones openly threatened to boycott the festival, scheduled for Enugu later this year, in protest against the host state’s decision to drastically slash the number of events from the customary 40 to just 15, citing financial and logistical constraints.

A memo from the NSC, signed by the Director General, Bukola Olapade, and seen by Prime Brief Media, invites all directors to a “crucial consultation” at the Commission’s headquarters at 11 a.m. on Monday. “In view of recent developments and in the spirit of national unity and the promotion of sports excellence, this meeting is to fashion a consensus that protects the integrity of the Festival and the interests of all states,” the memo stated.

The Enugu State Government has not publicly commented on the threats, but sources within the Local Organising Committee say the reduction is due to funding pressures and the need to refurbish aging infrastructure. However, states that specialise in the excluded sports, which include swimming, wrestling, gymnastics, and several para-sports, argue that the cut is discriminatory and robs athletes of critical exposure.

“The National Sports Festival is not just a competition; it is a development pathway. If a state cannot host the full complement of events, the option of a co-host should have been explored rather than unilaterally dropping disciplines,” said a director of sports from one of the aggrieved Northern states, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly.

The NSC hopes Monday’s meeting will yield a compromise, possibly including the reinstatement of some events or an agreement on a revised format.

Prime Brief Media will provide further updates on team performances and competition standings throughout the season.

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