…Following Comprehensive Facility Inspection
By Andrew Abah, Abuja
Nigeria’s readiness to host the 2027 African School Games received a boost with another strong endorsement from the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) on Tuesday, following a strategic working session in Abuja.
Nigeria’s 2027 African School Games hosting journey entered its next gear, after a collaborative meeting between the ANOCA African School Games Coordination Commission and the Local Organizing Committee for the Games, led by its chairman, Mr. Lekan Abari.
The session, which took place at the ANOCA Secretariat in Abuja, marked the first major technical review since Nigeria was awarded the hosting rights in 2025.
Abari delivered a detailed 46-slide hosting overview that covered governance, venues, logistics, and legacy plans. He outlined the structure of the LOC and its subcommittees, each tasked with specific aspects of the Games’ delivery.
The presentation mapped out key competition and non-competition venues across Abuja. The Moshood Abiola National Stadium is designated as the main stadium for ceremonies, athletics and other sports events while Transcorp Hilton Abuja will be utilized for accommodation of officials and other stakeholders.
Jabi Lake is the proposed venue for canoeing events. Games Village and University of Abuja will serve as athletes’ camp and accommodation.
Abari also announced the proposed dates for the Games: 22nd August to 4th September 2027. The 14-day window was selected after weighing factors including Nigeria’s political calendar, weather patterns, and the global school calendar to maximize athlete and spectator turnout.
ANOCA African School Games Coordination Commission Chairman, Joao Da Costa Manuel, responded positively after reviewing the presentation.
“I am satisfied and okay with the level of preparation the Local Organizing Committee are putting in place,” Da Costa Manuel said while urging the LOC to maintain close monitoring of all preparations to ensure Abuja delivers a successful Games that sets the standard for future editions.
The African School Games is ANOCA’s flagship youth event, first held in Algeria in 2025 with 30+ African nations. Abuja 2027 will be the second edition and another chapter in Nigeria’s continuous success stories of hosting a continental multi-sport Games. Over 3,000 student-athletes aged 14-16 are expected across 20+ sports.
The ANOCA Coordination Commission will continue its working visit, with on-site inspections of the proposed venues. The team will assess the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package A and B, Jabi Lake, accommodation facilities, and the University of Abuja campus.
As ANOCA expresses confidence in the nation’s preparations, Nigeria moves closer to delivering Africa’s biggest school sports festival.
The LOC assured that it will continue working relentlessly to translate its blueprint into reality in the next 15 months.
