Nigeria hosted the Commonwealth Evaluation Team in the offer for 2030 matches

Nigeria on Thursday received the Evaluation Committee of the offer of the Commonwealth sports offer in Abuja, marked a significant step in the country’s campaign to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

The President of the Tinubu Soccer, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, welcomed the delegation at the country’s home and reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to hold what would be the first African edition of the Olympics.

“What I can guarantee is that we are ready. We are willing, we are able, and we want this,” said Tinubu, according to a statement signed by special advisors about information and strategies, Bayo Onanuga.

The President underlines the importance of inclusiveness, emphasizing that the Commonwealth has fought for unity and diversity for almost a century, and Africa deserves his turn to host a multi-sports event.

Nigeria, who submitted an offer that failed for the 2014 Olympics, competed with India to host the Centenary edition in 2030. While Durban, South Africa, was initially awarded the 2022 match, financial constraints forced the city to attract, with Birmingham, England, stepping as a replacement host.

Gbajabiamila urged the visit committee to experience Nigeria’s hospitality, convincing them about Tinubu’s full support. “The President has written a guarantee letter. His full weight is behind this offer,” he said.

Tinubu further highlighted reforms in the Nigerian sports sector, including the replacement of the Ministry of Sports with the National Sports Commission, to improve development. He promised that all infrastructure, security, and hospitality requirements would be delivered faster than the schedule.

The Chairperson of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, argued that with 22 Commonwealth countries in Africa, Nigeria was well placed to host the Olympics. “The president sees that being the host of 2030 matches is more than just participation – it will be a celebration of the influence of Nigeria that developed in sports,” he said.

The Nigerian proposal, presented by the Chairperson of the Mainasara ILLO Bid Committee, outlines plans for 15 sports, with the introduction of football to increase global attractiveness and audience involvement. Nigeria’s Commonwealth Sport President Habu Gumel assured that the event would be environmentally sustainable.

Responding to, Darren Hall, Director of the Game and Guarantee at the Commonwealth Sport, and the leader of the Evaluation Committee, praised Nigeria’s desire and reaffirmed the commitment of the Commemoration of diversity when it was close to one hundred years.

Some cabinet members, including Minister of Information, Flights, Tourism, Housing, and Police Affairs, also voiced support for the offer.

The Commonwealth Games General Assembly is expected to decide between Abuja in Nigeria and Ahmedabad India in November 2025. The next edition of the match will take place in Glasgow, Scotland, in July 2026.