NSC, Orgainsers Unveils 'Odumeze' As National Sports Festival Mascot

NSC, Orgainsers Unveils 'Odumeze' As National Sports Festival Mascot

By BSN Sports 

Preparations for the 2026 National Sports Festival have entered a new phase following the unveiling of the official mascot, ‘Odumeze’, in Enugu on Friday, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

The mascot was unveiled by the Enugu State Deputy Governor, Barrister Ifeanyi Ossai, who represented Governor Peter Mbah, at the Enugu State International Conference Centre.

The ceremony was organised by the National Sports Commission (NSC) in collaboration with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Main Organising Committee (MOC), shortly after an inspection of key sporting facilities across the state ahead of the November Games.

According to the Deputy Governor, ‘Odumeze’ represents boldness, strength and power—qualities which, he said, embody both the spirit of the National Sports Festival and the identity of the people of Enugu State.

“Enugu and its people are ready to host the festival,” Ossai said, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to delivering a world-class edition of the Games.

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, described the unveiling as an important activation in the build-up to the Festival, saying it would help generate greater awareness and excitement across the country.

“I am excited for games of this nature. We need this activation for the Games to resonate all over the country and also resonate all over Enugu State,” Olopade said.

He expressed satisfaction with the unveiling ceremony and praised the organisers for the initiative.

“I am very proud to be associated with ‘Odumeze’,” he added.

Olopade also commended the Enugu State Government and the organising committees for the progress recorded so far, assuring that the NSC would continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure the Festival meets international standards.

The Enugu State Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Lloyd Ike Ekweremadu, thanked government officials, partners and other stakeholders for their contributions towards the successful hosting of the Games.

“We want to appreciate the dignitaries who stayed to ensure that we are able to host this festival successfully to international standards,” Ekweremadu said.

He noted that Governor Mbah had remained committed to ensuring that Enugu delivers a memorable edition of the National Sports Festival.

“The Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, has been working seriously to ensure that Enugu State hosts a very memorable Festival,” he said.

The Commissioner added that the state had drawn lessons from previous editions and was paying particular attention to sporting facilities, athletes’ welfare, security and hospitality as part of its preparations.

With the unveiling of ‘Odumeze’, organisers say the countdown to the 2026 National Sports Festival has effectively begun, with preparations continuing across competition venues, accommodation, medical services and transportation.

The NSC and organising committees have also called on athletes, coaches, state sports councils, corporate partners and sports-loving Nigerians to embrace ‘Odumeze’ as a symbol of unity, strength and sporting excellence.