The Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission (NSC), has officially signed the Games Hosting Agreement with the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) for the 2027 African School Games.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday in Abuja, confirming Nigeria as host of the second edition of the continental school sports event, tagged Abuja 2027.
Speaking at the ceremony, the NSC Chairman, described the hosting rights as a major milestone in Nigeria’s sports development agenda, saying it aligns with the President’s vision of repositioning Nigerian sports through grassroots development.
Dikko stressed that school sports remain the foundation for discovering future champions, noting that the Commission is strengthening collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education to promote grassroots sports nationwide.
He highlighted the success of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) initiative, introduced at the National Sports Festival as the “38th state,” as evidence of the Commission’s commitment to youth sports development.
According to him, Nigeria is also investing in sports infrastructure ahead of the Games and is determined to deliver a world-class championship.
“We are very excited to host the rest of Africa, and I can assure ANOCA that, with their collaboration, Nigeria will stage a successful Games, just as we have successfully hosted major international competitions in the past,” Dikko said.
Director-General of the NSC, , said hosting the African School Games reflects the Commission’s grassroots sports mandate and expressed confidence in the Local Organising Committee led by.
He noted that ANOCA had expressed satisfaction with Nigeria’s level of preparedness and the quality of the organising team.
ANOCA President, Mustapha Berraf, commended the Nigerian Government and the NSC for their commitment to youth development through sports.
He said the signing of the agreement officially confirms Abuja as host city for the 2027 African School Games and expressed confidence that Nigeria would stage a memorable tournament.
The event also featured the presentation of an Honorary Award of Excellence to Shehu Dikko by ANOCA in recognition of his contributions to sports development in Nigeria and across Africa. The Director General of the Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade also received a Plaque of Appreciation for his leadership and administrative contributions to sports.
The ceremony was attended by top ANOCA officials, including 1st Vice President João Da Costa; Secretary General Ahmed Hashim; ANOCA Treasurer and President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel; and NOC Secretary General, Babatunde Popoola.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Sports to the President, Anthony Adeboye; the Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu; the Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued; and the Chairman of the Abuja 2027 Local Organising Committee, Lekan Abari, who also made a brief presentation of the Games logo and mascot to the delight of the ANOCA delegation.
The Abuja 2027 logo and mascot were also unveiled during the ceremony by Lekan Abari, drawing applause from the ANOCA delegation.