Nigeria’s government, through the National Sports Commission (NSC), has officially signed the Games Hosting Agreement with the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) for the 2027 African School Games, paving the way for Nigeria to stage the continent’s premier school sports event.
The agreement was signed in Abuja on Wednesday during a ceremony attended by senior government officials, sports administrators and representatives of ANOCA, marking another milestone in preparations for the second edition of the African School Games, branded “Abuja 2027.”
Speaking at the event, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko described the hosting rights as a major achievement for Nigeria, saying the Games align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of repositioning sports through grassroots development.
Dikko assured ANOCA that Nigeria would deliver a world-class competition capable of setting a new benchmark for future editions of the Games.
He stressed that school sports remain the foundation of grassroots sports development and disclosed that the Commission is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Education to strengthen participation at that level.
According to him, the success of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) initiative, introduced as the 38th state at the National Sports Festival, demonstrates the Commission’s commitment to identifying and nurturing young sporting talent.
Dikko added that preparations for Abuja 2027 also complement the Federal Government’s drive to upgrade sporting infrastructure across the country.
“We are very excited to host the rest of Africa and I can assure ANOCA that, with their collaboration, Nigeria will deliver a world-class Games, just as we have successfully hosted major international events in the past,” he said.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said hosting the African School Games reflects the Commission’s renewed focus on grassroots sports development.
He expressed confidence in the Local Organising Committee led by Lekan Abari, noting that the calibre of officials assembled had already earned the confidence of ANOCA.
“I am glad that ANOCA is satisfied with the quality of the team we have put in place to organise these Games. It reflects Nigeria’s seriousness and commitment to delivering a successful championship,” Olopade said.
ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf commended the Nigerian Government and the NSC leadership for their commitment to hosting the Games, describing the agreement as an important moment for African sports and the continent’s young athletes.
He said the signing officially confirmed Abuja as the host city for the 2027 African School Games and wished Nigeria success in organising the event.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of an Honorary Award of Excellence to NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to sports development in Nigeria and across Africa.
ANOCA also presented a Plaque of Appreciation to NSC Director General Bukola Olopade for his commitment to sports administration.
Among the dignitaries present were ANOCA First Vice President João Da Costa, Secretary General Ahmed Hashim, ANOCA Treasurer and President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel, NOC Secretary General Babatunde Popoola, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Anthony Adeboye, Director General of the National Institute for Sports, Comrade Philip Shaibu, Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria Hocine Mezoued, and Chairman of the Abuja 2027 Local Organising Committee, Lekan Abari.
Abari also unveiled the official logo and mascot for the Abuja 2027 African School Games during the ceremony, drawing applause from members of the ANOCA delegation.
