Federal Government Commits to Hosting Successful Africa Schools Games in Abuja After Failed Commonwealth and African Games Bids
ANOCA Delegation Visits NSC
The Federal Republic of Nigeria has pledged to deliver a memorable Africa Schools Games Abuja 2027, following its unsuccessful bids for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2031 African Games.
This assurance was given by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, during an interface with the visiting ANOCA Africa Schools Games Coordination Commission delegation.
The Commission is on a working visit to Nigeria from June 8-11, holding strategic meetings with the Local Organizing Committee and stakeholders, while inspecting proposed competition and non‑competition venues for the 2027 Games.
The ANOCA delegation was led by Chairman João Da Costa Manuel of São Tomé, accompanied by Gaby Ahrens Diana (Namibia), Ben Mensah Nunoo (Ghana), Jappie Mhango (Malawi), Pedro Celestino Godinho (Angola), Olajide Adebola (Nigeria), and Wedu Motswetla (ANOCA). Apologies were sent by Fardouza Moussa Egueh (Djibouti), Habu Ahmed Gumel (Nigeria), and Nah Boudina (Tunisia).
Speaking at the event, Mallam Dikko emphasized that hosting the Games aligns with the mandate given to the NSC by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
‘We are committed to hosting the best Games ever because it clearly aligns with the mandate by our dear President who has not hidden his desire to ensure the development of sports from the grassroots.
‘This is the foundation of sports not just in Nigeria but in Africa, so we must get it right. Here in Nigeria, we are working hard to revive our school sports. I and the Minister of Education are working jointly in these regards as mandated by the President. So hosting this Games will boost that vision.’
He further noted that Nigeria is embarking on a massive infrastructure reset, with the President mandating the NSC to harness the potentials of the sports economy. Hosting international events such as the Africa Schools Games, he said, will showcase Nigeria’s progress and strengthen its position in continental sports.
Mallam Dikko assured of the President’s personal backing: ‘The headquarters of ANOCA is here in Abuja, so you are part and parcel of this country. It must also be noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is a patron of ANOCA. By the grace of God, he will be available to declare the Games open.’
