Nigeria Officially Bids for 2031 African Games After Commonwealth Games Setback
Nigeria has officially submitted its bid to the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) to host the 2031 African Games, reaffirming its ambition to once again stage the continent’s premier multisport event nearly 25 years after the successful 2003 COJA Games.
This move comes shortly after the country narrowly missed out on hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
The bid was presented during high level engagements with the AUSC, where Nigeria emphasized its readiness and capacity to deliver a world class festival. Ace sports broadcaster and administrator Mainasara Ilo led the presentation.
Over the years, Nigeria has built a strong track record by hosting major international competitions, including the CAA Africa U18/U20 Athletics Championships, the Africa Karate Championship, the ITTF Africa Youth Table Tennis Championship, the African Armwrestling Championship, the Badminton National Open, the West Africa Para Games, and the African Cadet and Junior Taekwondo Championship.
The economic impact of recent events has been significant. The CAA U18/U20 Africa Athletics Championships alone stimulated activity across multiple value chains, with more than 5,000 small and medium enterprises benefiting from increased patronage.
The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon and the Okpekpe international 10km road race, the first road running event in West Africa to get a World Athletics label rating, has further elevated Nigeria’s global profile, attracting elite athletes, boosting tourism, and enhancing international visibility.
Nigeria’s hosting of the 2024 Africa Military Games strengthened the nation’s soft power, deepened regional cooperation, and advanced military diplomacy.
Similarly, the West Africa Para Games and other related events created hundreds of direct jobs and indirectly supported thousands more across hospitality, transportation, tourism, security, merchandising, and event services.
Nigeria’s bid for the 2031 African Games reflects its commitment to using sports as a catalyst for national development. The country sees sports as a powerful tool for uniting its people, empowering its youth, and promoting national pride.
