Sports

Africa School Games Gain Momentum as LOC, ANOCA and VP Signal Hosting Readiness

Published

5 months ago

June 9, 2026

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria’s readiness to host the 2027 African School Games got another strong endorsement from the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) on Tuesday, after a strategic working session in Abuja.

Nigeria’s 2027 African School Games hosting journey entered its next gear, after a collaborative meeting between the ANOCA African School Games Coordination Commission and the Local Organizing Committee for the Games, led by its chairman, Mr. Lekan Abari. The session, which took place at the ANOCA Secretariat in Abuja, marked the first major technical review since Nigeria was awarded the hosting rights in 2025.

Abari delivered a detailed 46-slide hosting overview that covered governance, venues, logistics, and legacy plans. He outlined the structure of the LOC and its subcommittees, each tasked with specific aspects of the Games’ delivery.

The presentation mapped out key competition and non-competition venues across Abuja. The Moshood Abiola National Stadium is designated as the main stadium for ceremonies, athletics and other sports events. Transcorp Hilton Abuja will be utilized for accommodation of officials and stakeholders. Jabi Lake is the proposed venue for canoeing events. Games Village and University of Abuja will serve as athletes’ camp and accommodation.

Abari also announced the proposed dates for the Games: 22nd August to 4th September 2027. The 14-day window was selected after weighing factors including Nigeria’s political calendar, weather patterns, and the global school calendar to maximize athlete and spectator turnout.

ANOCA African School Games Coordination Commission Chairman, Joao Da Costa Manuel, responded positively after reviewing the presentation.

“I am satisfied and okay with the level of preparation the Local Organizing Committee are putting in place,” Da Costa Manuel said. He urged the LOC to maintain close monitoring of all preparations to ensure Abuja delivers a successful Games that sets the standard for future editions.

The African School Games is ANOCA’s flagship youth event, first held in Algeria in 2025 with 30+ African nations. Abuja 2027 will be the second edition and another chapter in Nigeria’s continuous success stories of hosting a continental multi-sport Games. Over 3,000 student-athletes aged 14-16 are expected across 20+ sports.

The ANOCA Coordination Commission will continue its working visit on Wednesday, 9th June 2026, with on-site inspections of the proposed venues. The team will assess the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package A and B, Jabi Lake, accommodation facilities, and the University of Abuja campus.

As ANOCA expresses confidence in the nation’s preparations, Nigeria moves closer to delivering Africa’s biggest school sports festival. The LOC stated it will continue work relentlessly to translate its blueprint into reality in the next 15 months.

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Sports

Nigerian Youngster Momoh Dazzles on First Start for Club NK Istra of Croatia

Published

3 hours ago

October 31, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

It was a dream start for 18-year-old Nigerian defender Muntari Momoh in the colours of Croatian club NK Istra, as he helped his team secure a 2-0 away victory over Slaven Belupo on Friday evening.

Playing in central defence, Momoh delivered an impressive performance, displaying composure and defensive solidity through his timely tackles, aerial prowess and ability to distribute the ball confidently under pressure.

His outstanding display earned him an impressive 7.7 rating, underlining his impact in what was his first start for the Croatian club.

The former Mavlon FC defender has continued to show tremendous development in his game, and his performance represents an encouraging milestone for the teenager, who joined NK Istra during the January transfer window.

“His performance deserves congratulations, especially for everyone who believes in Momoh’s ability to play at the highest level in the Croatian top flight. We are all very happy for him,” an official of the club, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told www.totorinews.com.

“It was a very important victory, winning 2-0 away from home. The defence kept a clean sheet, and Momoh played the entire match. At just 18 years old, we are very pleased with his performance,” the official added.

The no-nonsense defender was invited to the Flying Eagles squad for the WAFU B U20 Championship in Côte d’Ivoire in July but was not released by NK Istra for the competition, as the club considered him an important part of its plans for the season.

There is no doubt that Momoh is gradually establishing himself as an important prospect at NK Istra. His commanding performance against Slaven Belupo, capped by a clean sheet and a 7.7 rating, is another indication of the young Nigerian’s growing potential in European football.
www.totorinews.com.

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