● Organisers Place Welfare of Athletes Above Competition as Games Are Postponed Until Further Notice
The Organising Committee of the Southwest Games 2026 has announced the postponement of the highly anticipated sporting festival earlier scheduled to hold in August 2026 in Lagos State.
The decision follows extensive consultations and a comprehensive assessment of the prevailing security situation across parts of the country, particularly as it relates to the movement and safety of athletes, coaches, technical officials, volunteers, and support personnel travelling from across the six states of the South West geopolitical zone.
According to the Organising Committee, while preparations for the Games had reached an advanced stage and excitement continued to build among participating states and stakeholders, the safety and well-being of participants remained the overriding consideration.
“The Southwest Games was established to inspire, unite, and empower young people through sport. While we share the disappointment that this postponement may cause, we remain convinced that no competition is more important than the safety of the athletes whose dreams and aspirations the Games were created to nurture,” the Committee stated.
The Southwest Games has rapidly emerged as one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for youth development, talent discovery, regional integration, and sporting excellence. Bringing together young athletes from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States, the Games seeks to foster unity, healthy competition, and opportunities for the next generation of champions.
The Organising Committee noted that the nature of the event requires significant interstate travel and logistical coordination, making participant safety a non-negotiable priority.
“We owe a duty of care to every athlete, coach, official, volunteer, sponsor, and stakeholder connected to the Games. After careful evaluation, we believe postponement is the most responsible course of action under the current circumstances.”
The Committee expressed profound appreciation to participating states, government agencies, sponsors, development partners, volunteers, and members of the public for their unwavering support and understanding.
While a new date has not yet been announced, organisers confirmed that consultations with relevant authorities and stakeholders will continue, and a revised schedule will be communicated once conditions are deemed conducive for the safe and successful hosting of the event.
The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to the vision of the Southwest Games and expressed confidence that the eventual staging of the competition would be even stronger and more impactful.
About Southwest Games
The Southwest Games is a regional multi-sport event established to promote youth development, sporting excellence, talent discovery, and regional integration across Nigeria’s South West geopolitical zone. Guided by the vision of uniting dreams and empowering future champions, the Games provides a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents while fostering friendship, discipline, and opportunity.
