Nigeria’s bid to host the 2031 African Games is entering its most critical phase yet with a high-level delegation from the African Union Sports Council arriving in Abuja tomorrow Monday March 30 for a two-day official inspection that will determine whether the country secures the hosting rights for Africa’s premier multi-sport event.
The National Sports Commission confirmed that the inspection visit is scheduled to take place in Abuja from March 30 to 31, 2026, marking a milestone in Nigeria’s quest to secure the hosting rights for Africa’s premier multi-sport event.
The AUSC delegation includes top officials and technical experts tasked with reviewing bidding countries based on established hosting requirements. During their stay they will evaluate major sporting venues, infrastructure and the nation’s readiness to organise an event of such scale.
The visit will also allow Nigeria to showcase its administrative strength, technical capability and readiness to deliver a successful tournament.
The NSC noted that Nigeria’s bid reflects its strategic vision to consolidate its status as a leading sporting nation on the continent, emphasising the country’s rich history of hosting major international competitions coupled with ongoing investments in sports development as key factors positioning Nigeria as a strong contender.
Nigeria’s case to the AUSC rests on a proven track record. The bid was formally submitted to the AUSC during high level engagements, presented by ace sports broadcaster and administrator Mainasara Ilo, with Nigeria pointing to its successful staging of the CAA Africa U18 and U20 Athletics Championships, Africa Karate Championship, ITTF Africa Youth Table Tennis Championship, African Armwrestling Championship, Badminton National Open, West Africa Para Games and the African Cadet and Junior Taekwondo Championship among others as evidence of its organisational capability.
The 2031 African Games would be Nigeria’s second hosting of the continent’s flagship multi-sport festival. The country last staged the event in 2003 under the name COJA, making this bid a return to that legacy nearly 25 years later.
The outcome of this week’s inspection will be a defining moment in the bid process with the AUSC’s findings expected to carry significant weight when the final hosting decision is made.
