Sports
1st African School Games Comes to a Joyous End, as Nigeria Clinches 25 Medals, Secures 2027 Hosting Rights
The curtain has officially fallen on the 1st African School Games in Algiers, Algeria, which was a grand a celebration of youth, talent, and continental unity.
Team Nigeria concluded the Olympic-styled event , finishing with an impressive 25 medals, comprising 6 gold, 10 silver, and 9 bronze medals across 10 different sports. Nigeria ranked 4th on the log behind hosts nation, Algeria, followed by Egypt, and Tunisia.
In a symbolic moment during the closing ceremony, the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and hosts, Algeria formally handed over the host’s flag to Nigeria, signifying the country’s emergence as the official host of the 2nd African School Games in 2027. This monumental achievement reinforces Nigeria’s position as a leader in African youth sports and development.
Speaking after the closing ceremony, Director General of the Nigeria Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, lauded the athletes for their performance, discipline, and representation of the nation.
“These Games have shown us that the future of Nigerian sports is not only bright but it is unstoppable. Our young athletes have demonstrated courage, skill, and heart. This exposure will go a long way in preparing them for even greater stages.”
“The African School Games is about more than competition; it’s about building a generation that believes in unity, hard work, and national pride. We are proud of every athlete, coach, and official who represented Nigeria with dignity and excellence.”
Beyond the medal tally, Nigeria’s greatest victory lies in the exposure and life-changing experience gained by its student-athletes, many of whom wore national colors on an international stage for the first time.
The Games served as a powerful platform to nurture emerging talents, while instilling the Olympic values of excellence, respect, and friendship, and igniting the spirit of patriotism and ambition.
Hon. Olopade also extended appreciation to the Algerian government and ANOCA for the successful organization of the inaugural Games, while assuring that Nigeria will raise the bar in 2027, with a world-class hosting experience.
Upon their return to the country, Team Nigeria will be officially hosted by the National Sports Commission, where the athletes and officials will be celebrated for their outstanding performance. This special reception will precede an other national ceremonies planned to further honor and recognize the team’s achievements.
Sports
Team Nigeria Records Best-Ever Performance at Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh
…Finishes 8th on overall standings, secures Africa’s second best placement
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria finished eighth on the medals table with a total of 30 medals, marking its best-ever performance at the Islamic Solidarity Games, while Turkey emerged at the top of the standings.
This year has been a remarkable success for the National Sports Commission, which has supported more than 40 sports federations in attending international competitions, many of whom have delivered outstanding performances and secured medals – the count includes taekwondo, swimming, cricket, para-powerlifting, para-badminton, among others.
Nigeria’s haul, comprised 11 gold, 12 silver, and 7 bronze, a result that reinforces the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) strategic direction of sending only athletes with strong podium prospects to major international events.
Competing in seven sports, Taekwondo, Boxing, Athletics, Wrestling, Weightlifting, Para-Powerlifting, and Para-Athletics, the team delivered an unprecedented outcome, winning medals in every sports they competed in .
Weightlifting led Nigeria’s medal haul with 6 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze, followed by Athletics, which secured 2 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze. Wrestling added 2 gold and 2 silver, Para-Powerlifting contributed 1 gold, while Boxing and Para-Athletics each earned 1 silver. Taekwondo completed the tally with 1 bronze medal.
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, praised the team’s exceptional outing, stating:
“It is not a coincidence that Nigeria won medals in every sport we participated in at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games. This achievement reflects the new direction we have taken in sports development. After meeting with our team at the Commission and the Elite and Podium Board led by Yusuf Ali, we made a deliberate decision to bring only podium prospects to Riyadh and today, that decision has paid off.”
He added that the performance in Riyadh sets the standard for future international engagements:
“From Boxing to Taekwondo, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Track and Field and Powerlifting, Nigeria secured medals in every sport we entered. This is the new benchmark at the National Sports Commission, guiding our preparations for upcoming competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and ultimately, the Olympics.”
Officials stated that Team Nigeria’s record-breaking finish in Riyadh marks a defining moment in the country’s sporting evolution and strengthens its position as a rising force in global multi-sport competitions.
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