The China Civil Engineering Construction Company, CCEC, has assured that the ongoing rehabilitation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu will be completed ahead of the 2026 National Sports Festival, tagged Coal City Games.
The CCEC Site Engineer, Engr. Wale Ebenezer, gave the assurance while speaking on the progress of work at the stadium in Enugu, saying the company remained committed to meeting the deadline.
Recent reports also indicate that rehabilitation works at the facility are progressing ahead of the Games.
Ebenezer said the astro-turf and tartan tracks had already been delivered to the stadium but their installation was being delayed until the roofing works were completed.
He explained that the decision was necessary because the roofing contractor, SANA Group Limited, would deploy cranes at the facility, which could damage the newly installed turf and tracks if laid before the roofing was completed.
“We need seven weeks to complete the turf and tartan tracks — four weeks for the tartan tracks and three weeks for the astro-turf,” Ebenezer said.
He added that the contractor handling the roofing had informed CCEC of its intention to use cranes, making it necessary to protect the sports surfaces until the roofing operation was concluded.
The National Sports Commission has fixed the 2026 National Sports Festival for November 27 to December 11, with Enugu State as host. The event will bring together athletes from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Enugu State Government had earlier said the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium was among major sporting facilities being upgraded to meet the requirements of the Games.
The assurance by CCEC comes as concerns over the readiness of some facilities have prompted intensified monitoring, with the state government directed to accelerate work on outstanding areas ahead of the Games.
