After Missing Out On 2030, Nigeria Shifts Focus To 2034 Commonwealth Games Bid
Nigeria has set its sights on hosting the 2034 Commonwealth Games, immediately stepping up preparations for a new bid after losing out on the 2030 edition.
The country’s 2034 ambitions took centre stage in Abuja this week as National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade, alongside Nigeria Olympic Committee President Habu Gumel, held high-level talks with Commonwealth Sport President Donald Rukare and Director of Sport Darren Hall.
The Commonwealth Sport delegation was in Nigeria for strategic engagements following earlier discussions in Glasgow during the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The talks included a detailed review of Nigeria’s 2030 bid, with the assessment intended to provide a stronger foundation for the 2034 bid and align it with Commonwealth Sport’s hosting strategy.
The NSC said Nigeria’s proposition has several strengths, including strong Federal Government backing, an ambitious legacy vision, existing infrastructure in Abuja and Lagos, ongoing nationwide sports infrastructure upgrades, previous hosting experience, a proposed co-hosting model and the country’s Pan-African positioning.
The review also identified areas requiring further work, including venue alignment, Games scheduling, budgeting, optional sports and other operational issues.
Nigeria’s renewed push comes after Commonwealth sports ministers meeting in Glasgow in July adopted a resolution calling for the 2034 Games to be hosted in Africa.
The NSC said Nigeria’s strong 2030 bid provides a solid platform as the country begins building its case for 2034.
