The Federal Government has taken a major step toward hosting the 2027 African School Games after signing the official Games Hosting Agreement with the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) in Abuja.
The agreement, signed on Wednesday by the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and ANOCA, formally confirms Nigeria as the host of the second edition of the continental school sports competition, tagged “Abuja 2027.”
Speaking during the ceremony, NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, described the hosting rights as a significant milestone for Nigerian sports, saying the event aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of repositioning the nation’s sports sector through grassroots development.
Dikko stressed that school sports remain the foundation for discovering and nurturing future champions, noting that the Commission is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Education to strengthen grassroots sports development.
He highlighted the success of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) initiative, introduced as the 38th state during the National Sports Festival, describing it as evidence of the Commission’s commitment to youth development.
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According to him, preparations for the Games also fit into the government’s wider plan to upgrade sporting infrastructure across the country.
“We are excited to host Africa, and I can assure ANOCA that with our collaboration, Nigeria will deliver a world-class Games, just as we have successfully hosted major international sporting events in the past,” Dikko said.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said hosting the African School Games reflects the Commission’s commitment to grassroots sports and youth development.
Olopade expressed confidence in the Local Organising Committee, led by Lekan Abari, noting that ANOCA had expressed satisfaction with the calibre of the team assembled to organise the championship.
He said the quality of the organising committee demonstrates Nigeria’s determination to stage a memorable tournament that will make Africa proud.
ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf commended the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission for their commitment to hosting the Games, describing the agreement as a landmark moment for sports development on the continent.
Berraf said the event would provide hope and opportunities for young athletes across Africa while officially confirming Abuja as the host city for the 2027 Games.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of an Honorary Award of Excellence to NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko in recognition of his contributions to sports development in Nigeria and across Africa.
Similarly, the ANOCA delegation presented a Plaque of Appreciation to NSC Director General Bukola Olopade for his leadership and 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 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 Philip Shaibu, Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria Hocine Mezoued, and Chairman of the Abuja 2027 Local Organising Committee Lekan Abari.
A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the official logo and mascot for the Abuja 2027 African School Games, presented by Abari to the delight of the ANOCA delegation.
