Enugu State Government upgrades the iconic Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium (popularly known as “The Cathedral”) for the 2026 National Sports Festival. Enugu is hosting the festival for the first time in its history, says Lloyd Ekweremadu, Commissioner for Youths and Sports.
Ekweremadu outlined the ambitious project at a weekend briefing with members of the Greater Awgu Media Professionals (GAMP). He emphasized the centrality of the stadium, located along Ogui Road in Enugu City, to the state’s hosting strategy.
According to him, the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium will serve as the primary venue for the majority of events during the national sports showpiece. Thus, the State Government has prioritized ongoing extensive redevelopment of the facility to meet international standards and in time for the festival.
Facilities Upgrades
“There are plans to fully roof the main bowl of the stadium to provide enhanced comfort for spectators,” he said. “We are also replacing the existing pitch with a FIFA-certified natural turf so that enable teams play matches under world-class conditions.”
The commissioner also said that governnment is replacing the stadium’s worn-out running track with a state-of-the-art IAAF-certified polyurethane (PU) track—the highest global standard for athletics competition.
“The track is not fit for competition in its current state,” he admitted. “The new PU track will not only support national competition but could also attract regional and continental athletics events to Enugu in the future.”
“Additional features of the stadium upgrade include the construction of a new Olympic-standard swimming pool equipped with diving platforms and covered spectator stands. Also set for complete remodeling is the indoor sports arena within the complex. The arena will wear new wooden flooring, upgraded lighting, and improved ventilation to accommodate a wider range of indoor sports, including basketball, volleyball, handball, and table tennis.”
Future Plans for Stadium
Ekweremadu said the upgrades are part of a broader infrastructure plan to deliver a successful 2026 National Sports Festival and to position Enugu as a rising hub for sports tourism and youth development.
Thousands of athletes, coaches, and officials from across the country will participate at the festival, scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Mbah Administration’s full commitment to delivering a world-class event, despite operating within budget constraints.
With a 12-month timeline for completion, government aims to finish all major renovations by July 2026 to allow for testing and early use of the facilities ahead of the national event.
“We are making deliberate investments in infrastructure that will outlive the festival and continue to serve our youth and sports communities for years to come,” he noted.
Chairman of GAMP, Regis Anukwuoji, praised the initiative, saying the transformation of The Cathedral and other sporting venues would have lasting impact on the state’s economy.
“These projects are more than festival preparations—they represent a forward-thinking approach to economic and social development through sports,” Anukwuoji said.