Onoja Baba
Ahead of the preparations for Nigeria’s premier multi-sport event, the 23rd National Sports Festival (NSF), questions are arising over Delta State’s 2026 proposed budget, which includes a N600 million line item specifically for “Hosting of National Sports Festival” under budget code 053900100100.322.
This allocation appears in the sports overhead section of the Delta State Government Year 2026 Proposed Budget, even as official records confirm Enugu State as the designated host for the 2026 edition.
The National Sports Festival, a biennial showcase for athletes from Nigeria’s 36 states organized by the National Sports Commission (NSC), rotates hosting duties among states. The most recent edition, the Gateway Games, was held in Ogun State in 2025 and praised for its organization. Enugu State secured full hosting rights for the 2026 NSF through a formal host state agreement signed in January 2025 between the Federal Government (represented by NSC Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade) and Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah.
Preparations in Enugu are advanced, with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) inaugurated in June 2025 by Governor Mbah, infrastructure upgrades underway, and public commitments to deliver a world-class event dubbed the “Coal City Games.”
Enugu’s hosting is widely reported and undisputed in recent sources, including statements from the Federal Ministry of Information, state officials, and national media. The event marks the first time Enugu will host the NSF, with emphasis on leveraging past experiences like the 2009 U-17 FIFA World Cup to elevate facilities and athlete experience.
In contrast, Delta State’s 2026 budget proposes N600 million for hosting the NSF, part of a larger sports overhead totaling N8.294 billion (compared to N4.335 billion approved in 2025). Other notable provisions include N1.8 billion for National Youth Games, N600 million for Youth Games, N1 billion for Warri Wolves, N900 million for Delta Queens, and N400 million for hosting/awards to victorious athletes and officials.
The budget, presented by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the “Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda,” was adjusted and passed by the Delta State House of Assembly at N1.73 trillion in December 2025.
The N600 million NSF allocation stands out because Delta is not the host. Hosting typically covers venue preparation, logistics, security, athlete welfare, ceremonies, and prizes, expenses borne primarily by the host state in collaboration with the NSC. Without hosting responsibilities, the rationale for a dedicated “hosting” line item remains unclear. It could theoretically support Delta’s participation (e.g., athlete preparation, travel, or contingencies), but the explicit wording “Hosting of National Sports Festival” suggests potential misalignment or over-provisioning.
Leading the Delta State Sports Commission is Chairman Onoriode Joshua Oborevwori (known as “Onos”), brother of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. Appointed in late 2024, he has overseen significant sports investments, including Delta’s strong performances in recent national events (e.g., topping the 2022 NSF medal table as host and excelling in 2025). His leadership has earned international recognition, including awards in Paris. However, the family connection has drawn scrutiny in some quarters, with critics questioning whether such allocations reflect favoritism or optimism about influencing federal decisions.
No public explanation has emerged from the Delta State Sports Commission or Governor’s office on how the N600 million would be utilized if Enugu hosts. During budget hearings in late 2025, the Commission defended its estimates, but specifics on the NSF line item were not highlighted in available reports.
The NSC has not commented on state-level budgeting for non-host events or any potential Delta involvement beyond participation.
This situation echoes broader concerns in Nigerian sports funding, including occasional mismatches between federal/state allocations and actual event hosting (e.g., federal NSC budgeting issues noted in 2026 reviews). Delta’s consistent sports investment has built a strong talent base, but the hosting-specific provision raises transparency questions amid confirmed national arrangements.
Stakeholders in the sports community express varied perspectives. Supporters highlight Delta’s track record of excellence and argue the funds could bolster athlete support regardless of hosting. Critics call for clearer breakdowns and accountability to ensure public resources align with verifiable plans.
Efforts to reach the commissioner of Sports at the time of filing this report failed.
