Nigeria has secured renewed backing from the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) for the successful delivery of the 2nd African School Games, Abuja 2027. The country's progress was presented at the Extraordinary Session of the ANOCA General Assembly held in Nagoya, Japan. The presentation was delivered by Lekan Abari, Chairman of the Abuja 2027 Local Organising Committee (LOC), following an introduction by Habu Gumel, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).
Abari briefed the Assembly on developments since Nigeria was awarded the hosting rights, including the formal hosting and signing ceremony, ANOCA's initial inspection of facilities, venue rehabilitation and completion plans, approved sports and dates, funding and resource mobilisation, as well as the LOC's organisational preparations. He assured the Assembly that although significant work remained, preparations were progressing and the LOC was committed to meeting ANOCA's requirements within the agreed timelines.
Abari acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the National Sports Commission, headed by Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade. The presentation generated questions from delegates, particularly on the security and safety of participants, the proposed first Chef de Mission Meeting scheduled for January 12–20, 2027, the functionality of the LOC Secretariat and the availability of technical manuals.
Abari assured the delegates that work was ongoing in all the key areas and that the LOC would maintain regular engagement with ANOCA to meet the requirements for the Games. An official request for the relevant technical manuals has also been forwarded to the LOC, according to the organisers. Several delegates subsequently approached the Nigerian delegation to commend the presentation, with the organisers saying the response reflected confidence in the progress made towards Abuja 2027.
The session also featured updates on three other major African sporting events: the African Beach Games Riaba 2027 in Equatorial Guinea, the African Youth Games Addis Ababa 2027 in Ethiopia and the African Games Cairo 2027 in Egypt. A key outcome of the Nagoya meeting was ANOCA's reaffirmation of its support for Abuja 2027, including a commitment to provide financial assistance for ongoing preparations.
The LOC is expected to engage ANOCA on the modalities and timeline for the release of the funds. The Extraordinary Session also featured addresses by ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf and the President of the Olympic Council of Asia, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, among other Olympic Movement leaders. With the international update concluded, attention now shifts to Nigeria as the LOC intensifies preparations for the delivery of the African School Games in Abuja in 2027.
The successful hosting of the 2027 African School Games is expected to promote sports development and education in Nigeria and across Africa. The LOC's efforts have been commended by various stakeholders, and the Games are anticipated to be a significant milestone in the continent's sporting calendar. Key stakeholders will continue to work together to ensure the Games' success.
Key points
- ANOCA has reaffirmed its support for Abuja 2027, including a commitment to provide financial assistance for ongoing preparations.
- The LOC will engage ANOCA on the modalities and timeline for the release of funds.
- The 2027 African School Games are expected to promote sports development and education in Nigeria and across Africa.
