By Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government has taken a major step towards hosting the 2027 African School Games after formally signing the Games Hosting Agreement with the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).

The agreement, signed on Wednesday in Abuja by the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and ANOCA, officially confirms Nigeria as host of the second edition of the continental event, tagged “Abuja 2027.”

Speaking at the ceremony, NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, described the agreement as a landmark achievement that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of repositioning sports through grassroots development.

According to Dikko, school sports remain the bedrock of talent discovery, which explains the Commission’s close collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education to revive grassroots sports across the country.

He said the success of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) initiative at the National Sports Festival demonstrates the Commission’s commitment to nurturing young talents and creating a sustainable pathway for future champions.

Dikko also noted that the hosting rights would accelerate the government’s drive to upgrade sports infrastructure nationwide while positioning Nigeria once again as a preferred destination for major international sporting events.

“We are excited to host Africa in Abuja and confident that, working closely with ANOCA, Nigeria will stage a world-class Games that will set a new benchmark for future editions,” he said.

Director-General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said hosting the Games perfectly aligns with the Commission’s grassroots sports development agenda, adding that Nigeria has assembled a competent Local Organising Committee capable of delivering a successful championship.

He commended ANOCA for its confidence in Nigeria’s preparations and assured the continental body that the country would host an event worthy of Africa’s expectations.

ANOCA President, Mustapha Berraf, praised the Nigerian Government and the National Sports Commission for their commitment to youth development through sports, describing the signing of the agreement as a defining moment for African school sports.

“This is a great day for Africa and an even greater day for our children. The signing of this agreement confirms that Abuja will host the 2027 African School Games, and we have every confidence that Nigeria will deliver a memorable event,” Berraf said.

In recognition of his contributions to sports development, ANOCA presented an Honorary Award of Excellence to Mallam Shehu Dikko, while the Commission’s Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, received a Plaque of Appreciation for his outstanding leadership in sports administration.

The ceremony was attended by top ANOCA officials, members of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, government representatives, diplomats and other sports stakeholders. The Chairman of the Abuja 2027 Local Organising Committee, Lekan Abari, also unveiled the official logo and mascot for the Games, signalling the commencement of preparations for what is expected to be one of Africa’s biggest youth sporting events.

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