In a significant win for Nigerian sports, the nation has been officially selected to host the 2nd African Schools Games in 2027. The announcement came on Tuesday from Algiers, where Nigeria’s bid successfully overcame strong competition from countries like South Africa and Kenya.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, shared his enthusiasm, calling the win “a huge win for Nigeria and for the future of sports development on the continent.” He attributed the successful bid to the “unhinged commitment” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to sports excellence, viewing it as a reflection of the “Renewed Hope Mandate.” Olopade added that the hosting rights signify Nigeria’s re-emergence as a sports powerhouse in Africa and will boost the country’s sports economy and international image. He promised that Nigeria would “deliver an unforgettable experience for young athletes from across the continent.”
Nigeria’s bid was bolstered by its recent success in hosting major sporting events, including the National Sports Festival and the 3rd CAA Africa U18/U20 Athletics Championships. These events were praised for their excellent organization, facilities, and overall athlete experience.
Olopade also thanked the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) for its confidence in Nigeria and confirmed that preparations would begin immediately to ensure the games meet the highest standards. The Nigerian delegation that secured the bid included Hon. Bukola Olopade and the President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel.
