By Samuel Akpan
Nigeria is set to make history with the 2027 Africa Schools Games in Abuja, promising the most memorable tournament yet.
With strong presidential backing for grassroots sports development, top African sports officials are already on the ground inspecting preparations for the continent’s premier school event.
The commitment was delivered by National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko during a meeting with the visiting ANOCA Africa Schools Games Coordination Commission, covered by Persecondnews.
The group is in Nigeria on a working visit spanning June 8 to 11 to hold strategic sessions with the Local Organizing Committee and other key players while assessing the readiness of designated venues for competition and support activities.
The ANOCA team is headed by João Da Costa Manuel from Sao Tome. Other members include Gaby Ahrens Diana from Namibia, Ben Mensah Nunoo from Ghana, Jappie Mhango, Malawian Minister of Transportation, Pedro Celestino Godinho from Angola, Olajide Adebola from Nigeria, and Wedu Motswetla from ANOCA.
Three members – Fardouza Moussa Egueh from Djibouti, Habu Ahmed Gumel from Nigeria, and Nah Boudina from Tunisia – were unable to join the team.
Dikko said: “We are committed to hosting the best Games ever because it clearly aligns with the mandate by our dear President who has not hidden his desire to ensure the development of sports from the grassroots.
“This is the foundation of sports not just in Nigeria but in Africa, so we must get it right. Here in Nigeria, we are working hard to revive our school.
“We are embarking on a massive infrastructure reset and such events will help us to showcase what we are putting in place. The President has mandated us to harness the potentials of the sports economy. Hosting these international events will help that cause.”
Persecondnews also quotes Dikko as saying: “We are committed to hosting the best Games ever because it clearly aligns with the mandate by our dear President who has not hidden his desire to ensure the development of sports from the grassroots.
“This is the foundation of sports not just in Nigeria but in Africa, so we must get it right. Here in Nigeria, we are working hard to revive our school sports. I and the Minister of Education are working jointly in these regards as mandated by the President. So hosting this Games will boost that vision.
“We are embarking on a massive infrastructure reset and such events will help us to showcase what we are putting in place. The President has mandated us to harness the potentials of the sports economy. Hosting these international events will help that cause.”
The NSC Chairman further assured: “The headquarters of ANOCA is here in Abuja, so you are part and parcel of this country. It must also be noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR is a patron of ANOCA. By the grace of God, he will be available to declare the Games open.”
On his part, NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade, while reaffirming the Commission’s track record of excellent hosting.
“We had never failed to host well in the past. Whether it is the FIFA U17, U20 or the 2003 All Africa Games, this country has always been a wonderful host. And this particular event will not be different.
“I was in Algiers when we approached ANOCA to host this Schools Games and the NSC Chairman gave the orders that we must bring the hosting right home. We are glad ANOCA obliged us,” he recalled.
“We are proud to partner with ANOCA and be rest assured that we will not fail. We have the expertise and infrastructure to deliver a landmark Games and once again we will put together something classy.”
João Da Costa Manuel, speaking on behalf of the visiting commission, expressed gratitude to Nigeria for stepping up to host the Games.
He clarified that the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) delegation was not there to dictate terms, acknowledging that local experts are well-equipped to handle the project.
Instead, he noted, their role is to collaborate with the organizing committee and offer traditional support.
The ANOCA chairman also emphasized that athletes remain at the heart of the Olympic Movement, stating that competitions simply cannot happen without them.
He restated that a successful School Games is essential for scouting and nurturing the continent’s next generation of sports talent.
The high-level engagements underscore Nigeria’s readiness to deliver a standout edition of the Africa Schools Games, leveraging the momentum from the Tinubu administration’s focus on school sports revival and international partnerships to leave an indelible mark on African youth sports development.
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