Abuja 2027: Nigeria Updates ANOCA on Preparations, Secures Renewed Commitment
Oru Leonard
Nigeria has received renewed backing from the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) for the successful hosting of the 2nd African School Games scheduled to hold in Abuja in 2027.
The assurance followed Nigeria’s presentation at the Extraordinary Session of the ANOCA General Assembly held at the Hilton Hotel in Nagoya, Japan, where the country provided an update on preparations for the continental youth sporting event.
The session brought together ANOCA officials, representatives of African National Olympic Committees and other stakeholders within the Olympic Movement, including the leadership of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) and the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC).
Nigeria’s presentation was delivered by the Chairman of the Abuja 2027 Local Organising Committee (LOC), Mr. Lekan Abari, following an introduction by the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel.
Abari briefed the Assembly on the progress made since Nigeria secured the hosting rights, covering venue rehabilitation, organisational structures, funding and resource mobilisation, approved sporting disciplines, competition dates and other key areas required for the successful delivery of the Games.
He also outlined the outcome of ANOCA’s initial inspection of proposed facilities and the measures being taken to address identified requirements ahead of the Games.
The LOC Chairman acknowledged the support and leadership of the National Sports Commission under its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade.
According to the presentation, although considerable work remains to be completed, preparations are progressing, with the LOC working to meet ANOCA’s requirements within agreed timelines.
The Nigerian delegation also responded to questions from delegates on the safety and security 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 delegates that the LOC would sustain consultations with ANOCA while intensifying preparations in all relevant areas. An official request for the technical manuals has also been submitted to the LOC.
The presentation attracted applause from members of the Assembly, while several delegates subsequently engaged the Nigerian delegation and commended the depth of the briefing and the level of preparation demonstrated.
Abuja 2027 was among four major Games updates presented during the session. Other presentations focused on 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 significant outcome of the meeting was ANOCA’s reaffirmation of its support for Abuja 2027, including its commitment to provide financial assistance for ongoing preparations in line with earlier assurances.
The LOC is expected to engage ANOCA on the modalities and timing for the release of the funds.
The Assembly also witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between ANOCA and CANOC, as well as between ANOCA and Shanghai Yude Energy Co. Ltd., a Chinese company that pledged power solutions for ANOCA events and announced plans to provide a generator to each ANOCA member country.
The President of the Olympic Council of Asia, H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, also addressed the Assembly.
The Nagoya meeting has provided Nigeria with an opportunity to demonstrate progress on Abuja 2027 while strengthening engagement with ANOCA and other stakeholders.
With the renewed institutional and financial support from ANOCA, attention now shifts to the continued implementation of the Abuja 2027 preparations as Nigeria works towards hosting a successful African School Games.
(Credit: Kola Daniel, S.A. Media to DG NSC, September 25, 2026)
