Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a world-class second edition of the African School Games in Abuja in 2027, a major step expected to strengthen school and collegiate sports development across the country and the continent.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) officially signed the Games Hosting Agreement with the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), confirming Abuja as the host city for the continental multi-sport event for student-athletes.
The African School Games, tagged “Abuja 2027,” is widely seen as a platform to discover and nurture young talents through structured school and collegiate sports programmes while positioning Nigeria as a leading destination for youth sports in Africa.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, described the hosting rights as a landmark achievement that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to reset Nigerian sports through grassroots development.
According to Dikko, school sports represent the foundation of sustainable sports growth, making the African School Games an important opportunity to strengthen pathways from primary and secondary schools to collegiate and elite competition.
“Developing Nigerian sports from the grassroots level is one of our mandates, and the foundation of that grassroots system should be school sports. This 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 Junior Athletes (IJA) initiative, introduced during the National Sports Festival as the festival’s 38th state.
He added that preparations for Abuja 2027 also align with the government’s efforts to revamp sporting infrastructure nationwide, creating facilities that will benefit schools, universities and sports academies long after the Games conclude.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said hosting the African School Games speaks directly to the commission’s grassroots mandate and will further elevate the profile of school and collegiate sports in Nigeria.
Olopade noted that ANOCA officials have expressed confidence in Nigeria’s organising team and preparations, underscoring the country’s determination to stage a successful championship that will inspire a new generation of student-athletes across Africa.
ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf commended the Nigerian Government and the NSC for their commitment to youth sports development and for providing hope and opportunities for African children through the Games.
“This is a great moment for sports in Africa and an even greater 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 are expected to attract thousands of student-athletes, coaches and officials from across the continent, creating a lasting legacy for school and collegiate sports development while strengthening Nigeria’s reputation as a host of major international sporting events.