Nigeria promises world-class African School Games in 2027

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to hosting a second edition of the world-class African School Games in Abuja in 2027, an important step that is expected to strengthen the development of school and university sports across the country and continent.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially signed the Games Hosting Agreement with the Association of African National Olympic Committees (ANOCA), confirming Abuja as the host city of the continental multi-sport event for student-athletes.

The African School Games, dubbed “Abuja 2027”, are widely seen as a platform to discover and nurture young talents through structured school and university sports programmes, while positioning Nigeria as a leading destination for youth sports in Africa.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko described the hosting rights as a historic achievement that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of restoring Nigerian sport through grassroots development.

According to Dikko, school sports represent the foundation of sustainable sporting growth, making the African School Games an important opportunity to strengthen pathways from primary and secondary schools to university and elite competitions.

“Developing Nigerian sport from the grassroots is one of our mandates, and the foundation of that grassroots system must be school sports. That is why we are working closely with the Federal Ministry of Education to create sustainable opportunities for young athletes,” he said.

Dikko highlighted the success of the Invited Youth Athletes (IJA) initiative, presented during the National Sports Festival as the 38th state festival.

He added that preparations for Abuja 2027 also align with the government’s efforts to renew sports infrastructure across the country, creating facilities that will benefit schools, universities and sports academies long after the Games conclude.

NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said hosting the African School Games speaks directly to the grassroots mandate of the commission and will further raise the profile of school and university sports in Nigeria.

Olopade noted that ANOCA officials have expressed confidence in Nigeria’s organizing team and preparations, underscoring the country’s determination to host a successful championship that will inspire a new generation of student-athletes across Africa.

ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf praised the Nigerian government and the NSC for their commitment to the development of youth sports and for providing hope and opportunities to African children through the Games.

“This is a great moment for sports in Africa and an even bigger moment for our children. The signing of the Games hosting agreement confirms that the Games will be held in Abuja, and we wish Nigeria every success,” Berraf said.

The Abuja 2027 African School Games is expected to attract thousands of student-athletes, coaches and officials from across the continent, creating a lasting legacy for school and university sports development while strengthening Nigeria’s reputation as a host of major international sporting events.