Nigeria seals hosting rights for Abuja 2027 African School Games

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By Maxwell Kumoye 
 


Nigeria has taken a major step towards hosting the 2027 African School Games after the National Sports Commission (NSC) signed the official Games Hosting Agreement with the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) in Abuja.

The agreement, signed on Wednesday, officially confirms Nigeria as host of the second edition of the continental event, which will be staged in the nation's capital under the banner "Abuja 2027."

Speaking at the signing ceremony, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko described the Games as a landmark opportunity to advance grassroots sports development in line with President Bola Tinubu's vision of repositioning Nigerian sports.

Dikko said school sports remain the foundation of sustainable athlete development, stressing that the Commission is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Education to strengthen grassroots programmes across the country.

He highlighted the success of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) initiative, introduced at the National Sports Festival as the symbolic 38th state, as evidence of the Commission's commitment to discovering and nurturing young talent.

The NSC chairman also noted that hosting the Games aligns with the Commission's drive to upgrade sports infrastructure nationwide, expressing confidence that Nigeria would stage an unforgettable tournament.

"With ANOCA's collaboration, Nigeria will deliver a world-class Games and set a new benchmark for future editions, just as we have successfully hosted major international sporting events in the past," Dikko said.

NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade said hosting the African School Games reflects the Commission's unwavering commitment to grassroots sports development.

He added that ANOCA had expressed satisfaction with the Local Organising Committee, led by Lekan Abari, describing it as a testament to Nigeria's preparedness and determination to deliver a successful championship.

ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf commended the Nigerian government and the NSC leadership for embracing the responsibility of hosting the Games.

"This is a great moment for African sport and an even greater moment for our children. The signing of this agreement confirms that Abuja will host the Games, and I have every confidence Nigeria will deliver a memorable event," Berraf said.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of the Abuja 2027 Games logo and mascot by Local Organising Committee chairman Lekan Abari.

ANOCA also honoured Dikko with an Honorary Award of Excellence in recognition of his outstanding contributions to sports development in Nigeria and across Africa, while Olopade received a Plaque of Appreciation for his exemplary administrative leadership.

The ceremony was attended by senior ANOCA officials, including First Vice President João Da Costa, Secretary General Ahmed Hashim, ANOCA Treasurer and Nigeria Olympic Committee President Habu Gumel, and NOC Secretary General Babatunde Popoola.

Also in attendance were the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports, Anthony Adeboye, Director-General of the National Institute for Sports Philip Shaibu, the Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, and other key stakeholders in African sports administration.

With the hosting agreement now in place, preparations are expected to gather momentum as Nigeria begins its countdown to welcoming the continent's finest young athletes to Abuja in 2027. 

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