Nigeria pledges memorable Africa Schools Game, Abuja 2027
The Federal Republic of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a world-class and memorable Africa Schools Games scheduled for Abuja in 2027. The assurance was given by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, on Tuesday, June 9, during an engagement with the visiting delegation of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Africa Schools Games Coordination Commission.
The ANOCA delegation is in Nigeria on a working visit ahead of the inaugural Africa Schools Games, which will be hosted in Abuja in 2027. The visit, which runs from June 8 to 11, includes strategic meetings with the Local Organising Committee and key stakeholders, as well as inspections of proposed competition and non-competition venues.
The visiting Commission is led by its Chairman, João Da Costa Manuel. Other members include Gaby Ahrens Diana (Namibia), Ben Mensah Nunoo (Ghana), Jappie Mhango (Malawi), Pedro Celestino Godinho (Angola), Olajide Adebola (Nigeria), and Wedu Motswetla (ANOCA Secretariat).
Three members—Fardouza Moussa Egueh (Djibouti), Habu Ahmed Gumel (Nigeria), and Nah Boudina (Tunisia)—sent apologies for their absence.
Speaking at the interface, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko said hosting the Games aligns with the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritised grassroots sports development, and Dikko noted that the Africa Schools Games would further strengthen that vision.
“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,” Dikko said. “This is the foundation of sports not just in Nigeria but in Africa.”
He added that Nigeria is currently working to revive school sports in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, stressing that the Games will serve as a major boost to that effort.
Dikko also highlighted ongoing infrastructure upgrades, noting that major sporting events will help showcase Nigeria’s investments in facilities and the broader sports economy agenda.
He further assured that the President’s backing for the Games is firm, adding that as a patron of ANOCA, President Tinubu is expected to declare the Games open in 2027.
The Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, also reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to host a landmark edition of the Games.
He referenced Nigeria’s history of successful international sporting events, including FIFA age-grade tournaments and the 2003 All Africa Games, expressing confidence that the country will once again deliver a high-standard competition.
“We are proud to partner with ANOCA and be rest assured that we will not fail. We have the expertise and infrastructure to deliver a landmark Games,” he said.
In his remarks, ANOCA Coordination Commission Chairman João Da Costa Manuel thanked Nigeria for accepting to host the event and expressed confidence in the country’s capacity.
He noted that the Commission’s role is to collaborate with the Local Organising Committee and provide technical support, rather than impose directives.
Manuel also emphasized the importance of athletes to the Olympic movement, describing them as the core of sport development and talent discovery across Africa.
He added that the Africa Schools Games will play a vital role in identifying and nurturing future sporting talents on the continent.
With preparations underway and key inspections ongoing, Nigeria’s commitment signals strong momentum toward delivering a flagship continental youth sporting event in Abuja in 2027, with expectations high across the African sporting community.
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