Commonwealth Games 2030: Nigeria’s Final Pitch in London to Seal Deal

A high-level Nigerian delegation has arrived in London to submit its final bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

The high-powered delegation is led by National Sports Commission President Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade.

It includes other notable figures such as Sunday Dare, Presidential Spokesperson and former Minister of Sports, Habu Gumel, Nigerian Olympic Committee President, Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts and Culture, Mary Onyali, Olympic gold medalist and Eniola Bolaji, para-badminton world champion.

The Special Assistant on Media to the NSC DG, Kola Daniel, in a chat with Persecondnews correspondent from London on Wednesday Morning said: “The 2030 Commonwealth Games would mark a significant milestone for African sports, as Nigeria’s bid aims to bring the multi-sport event to the continent for the first time.

“With Abuja Nigeria’s power capital as the proposed host city, Nigeria is confident in its ability to deliver a world-class Games, showcasing not only its sporting talent but also its growing capacity to organize large-scale international events.

“We have hosted Africa in 2025 at the CAA U18-U20 Championship in Abeokuta, we hosted the best National Sports Festival in the history of Nigeria, we also hosted the female Africa Volleyball Club Championship in Abuja. We are confident of our bid.”

Persecondnews recalls that President Bola Tinubu had reiterated the Federal Government’s unwavering support for the bid, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment and capability to deliver a successful Games.

The President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, welcomed the Commonwealth Games Bid Evaluation team to Abuja earlier in September, highlighting the administration’s dedication to securing the event.

Nigeria and India are the two official bidders for the 2030 Games, with Abuja and Ahmedabad as their proposed host cities.

The Commonwealth Games General Assembly will decide the host city in November 2025, after a thorough evaluation of both bids.

“Other countries that had expressed interest include South Africa and Canada,” he added.

If successful, Nigeria’s bid would not only bring the Commonwealth Games to Africa but also leave a lasting legacy for youth and national development.

The country’s bid centres on a vision of inclusivity, legacy, and development, promising to deliver a Games that embodies the Commonwealth spirit while fostering long-lasting opportunities for sports, culture, and youth across the African continent.