By our reporter 3.11.2026
Bayelsa State commissioner for sports Hon. Daniel Igali said their target is to become overall champions even though doubts continue to grow about Enugu State’s preparedness to host the National Sports Festival set for November 28-December 1, 2026.
Igali, a Commonwealth and Olympic Games wrestling gold medallist who has helped establish Bayelsa among Nigeria’s leading sporting states over the last three editions of the Festival, acknowledged that preparations for the 2026 edition have been unusual, with critical administrative processes taking place much later than expected.
“Well, I would say Bayelsa State is relatively well prepared, considering the unusual circumstances surrounding this edition of the National Sports Festival.
“Ordinarily, processes such as athlete registration and other similar things are done like two months before the festival. But this time, many of these activities are taking place right about now, barely a month before the festival,” he explained.
“And even the readiness of the host state Enugu is yet to be fully ascertained, although facility inspections I think just took place a couple of days ago. Also the number of sports has been significantly reduced. So this is a different kind of sports festival.”
The former wrestler noted that the uncertainties surrounding the build-up had affected preparations across participating states, although Bayelsa had anticipated some of the challenges.
“Naturally, because of the uncertainties that has affected the normal preparatory process, most states may not be having it easy. But I must tell you that Bayelsa has anticipated some of these things and we’ve been getting our people, our teams, and our athletes prepared,” he explained.
Igali also commended Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for his commitment to sports development, noting that the progress recorded by the state would not have been possible without the government’s consistent support.
He also praised the Deputy Governor, Senator Dr. Peter Akpe, who oversees sports in the state, for his contributions to the team’s preparations.
“And I must particularly thank His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, the Governor of Bayelsa State, for his consistent commitment to sports development, and also for providing the resources necessary for our preparations.
“You know the Deputy Governor is in charge of sports in Bayelsa, His Excellency Senator Dr. Peter Akpe, who has been extremely supportive of our preparations.”
With three consecutive editions placing the state among Nigeria’s leading sporting contingents, Igali said Bayelsa’s next objective is to rise to the top of the standings.
“Of course, our ambition is to compete against the very best sporting states in Nigeria and hopefully to emerge champions of the National Sports Festival.
“You know over the last three editions we have firmly placed our sports as one of the top three states in terms of sports. The one position we have yet to achieve is first position, and naturally that remains our ultimate ambition.
“However, we’re not taking anything for granted. We recognize that other states are equally ambitious and have invested considerably in their sporting programmes.