By Yusuf A Yusuf,Damaturu
The North-East zonal elimination of the 1st Edition National Intermediate Games for Team Sports was held in Damaturu from September 10 to 12, 2026, at the 28th August Stadium.
The event was organized by the Presidency’s National Sports Commission through its Grassroots Sports Development Department.
The competition aimed to discover and nurture intermediate-level talent in team sports and to select teams for the national finals. Teams from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe took part, with officials from the National Sports Commission and the Yobe State Government overseeing the zonal elimination. It served as a crucial platform for grassroots athletes to showcase their skills.
Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, declared the zonal elimination open.
He said the event was more than a contest, describing it as a celebration of youth, skill, dedication, camaraderie, unity, and the spirit of the North-East. He noted that the region has produced remarkable sporting talent and that the competition gives young athletes a key platform for national exposure.
Buni reaffirmed the Yobe government’s support for sports development, citing the renovation of the August 27 Stadium, restoration of the training complex, and sports infrastructure in Gujba, Potiskum, and Yunusari.
He said these investments are meant to expand opportunities for young people and help them become future national and global champions.
Earlier, the Yobe State Commissioner for the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Social and Community Development, Barma Shettima, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mohammed Gidado Abubakar, said the event featured football, basketball, beach volleyball, handball, hockey, and indoor events including cricket, rugby, netball, and wheelchair basketball.
He added that the Lagos finals would involve over 15,000 athletes across 28 disciplines at 10 venues.
He urged the athletes to compete fairly, grow from the experience, and prepare for greater trials.
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