Africa unites behind Nigeria’s bid to host 2030 Commonwealth and 2031 African Games
Nigeria’s ambition to host two major international sporting events, the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2031 African Games, received strong backing on Friday from African Ministers of Sports during a virtual consultative meeting convened by the African Union Commission.
The meeting, held on August 29, 2025, brought together sports ministers from across the continent. Nigeria was represented by Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), who also serves as President-in-Office and Chairman of the Council of Sports Ministers for AUSC Region 2 (West Africa).
In his address, Mallam Dikko formally announced Nigeria’s bid to host the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games in Abuja in 2030. He called on fellow African nations, especially those within the Commonwealth, to rally behind the proposal and treat it as a continental bid.
He also confirmed Nigeria’s interest in hosting the 2031 African Games, noting that discussions with the African Union Sports Council are already underway.
Dikko expressed gratitude to the Council for awarding Nigeria the hosting rights for the 2027 African Youth Games, assuring members of the country’s full commitment to delivering a successful and memorable youth sports festival.
Chairing the meeting, Hon. Uchizi Mkandawire, Malawi’s Minister of Youth and Sports, welcomed Nigeria’s proposals and pledged the support of African states. He emphasized that Nigeria could count on the solidarity of Commonwealth member nations across Africa for both bids.
The meeting also featured a briefing from Ambassador Amma A. Twum-Amoah, AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development, who provided updates on the organization of the African Games and preparations for the upcoming fifth session of the Specialized Technical Committee on Youth, Culture, and Sports (STC-YCS5), scheduled for October 2025 in Algiers, Algeria.
Additionally, Hon. Ashraf Sobhy, Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, presented progress reports on preparations for the 14th African Games, which Egypt will host in 2027.
The Council formally endorsed Egypt as the host nation and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening sports development and cooperation across Africa.
