Sports
Gumel leads Abuja 2027 African Schools Games push as ANOCA renews confidence in Nigeria
Cyril Ogar
Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President, Engr. Habu Gumel, has led country’s latest engagement with the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) as preparations for the 2nd African School Games, Abuja 2027, received renewed continental backing in Japan.
At the Extraordinary Session of the ANOCA General Assembly in Nagoya, Gumel, who also serves as the Treasurer-General of ANOCA, introduced the Chairman of the Abuja 2027 Local Organising Committee (LOC), Lekan Abari, as the presentation of Nigeria’s progress to hosting a successful 2027 African School Games was delivered to the African National Olympic Committees and other stakeholders presnet at the ANOCA Extra Ordinary Congress
Abari outlined preparations covering the hosting agreement, ANOCA’s initial inspection of facilities, venue rehabilitation and completion plans, approved sports and dates, funding, resource mobilisation and the operational readiness of the LOC.
The presentation also addressed key concerns surrounding the Games, including participant safety and security, the functionality of the LOC Secretariat, technical manuals and the proposed first Chef de Mission Meeting scheduled for January 12–20, 2027.
The Nigerian delegation assured ANOCA that preparations were progressing across the various operational areas and that the LOC would maintain close engagement with the continental body to meet all agreed requirements and timelines.
The presentation was well received by the Assembly, with delegates subsequently approaching the Nigerian delegation to commend the depth of the briefing and the progress demonstrated since Nigeria secured the hosting rights.
The engagement for Gumel and NOC represents another important step in strengthening Nigeria’s relationship with ANOCA and ensuring that Abuja 2027 remains aligned with the expectations of the African Olympic Movement.
Nigeria secured the hosting rights after a competitive bidding process, with Gumel previously describing the award as “a huge win for Nigeria and for the future of sports development on the continent.”
With the hosting rights secured, preparations advancing and ANOCA’s renewed institutional backing, attention now shifts to Abuja as Gumel, the NOC, the LOC and other Nigerian stakeholders work towards translating the country’s commitments into a successful African School Games in 2027.
The National Olympic Committees of Africa — was invited to the 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026, primarily as part of a growing Africa–Asia Olympic and sports-development partnership.
Nigeria did presentation on hosting the African School Games, Ethiopia did presentation on hosting the 2027 African Youth Games, Equatorial Guinea did presentation on hosting the 2027 Beach Games, while Egypt did presentation on hosting the 2026 All.African Games
Sports
YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display
Joel Ajayi
Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.
Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.
The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.
Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.
The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.
The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.
The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.
Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.
Final Score
Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)
The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)
Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.
Key Performers
Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls
Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls
Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
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