Nigeria has officially submitted its bid to the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) to host the 2031 African Games, marking a bold move to bring Africa’s biggest multisport event back to the country nearly 25 years after the historic and successful hosting of the 2003 COJA Games.

The formal bid presentation took place during high-level engagements with AUSC officials, where Nigeria reaffirmed its readiness, capability, and long-term commitment to delivering a world-class sporting festival. The bid was presented by renowned sports broadcaster and administrator Mainasara Ilo.

Nigeria’s confidence in hosting the African Games is backed by an impressive record of successfully staging major international competitions in recent years. These include:

CAA Africa U18/U20 Athletics Championships

Africa Karate Championship

ITTF Africa Youth Table Tennis Championship

African Armwrestling Championship

Badminton National Open

West Africa Para Games

African Cadet and Junior Taekwondo Championship

These events highlight Nigeria’s growing expertise, improved infrastructure, and logistical readiness to handle competitions of continental magnitude.

At the forefront of Nigeria’s renewed sports development push are the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade. Under their leadership, Nigeria has made significant strides in sports reforms, strategic investments, and the strengthening of the national sports economy.

Their efforts have contributed to landmark achievements, including the successful hosting of the CAA U18/U20 Africa Athletics Championships, which delivered substantial economic impact across multiple value chains. Over 5,000 SMEs benefited from increased commercial activities, injecting major cash flow into the local economy.

Events like the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, now rated a World Athletics Gold Label race, have elevated Nigeria’s international profile, boosted tourism, and attracted elite global participation.

Similarly, Nigeria’s hosting of the 2024 Africa Military Games enhanced the country’s soft power, fostered regional unity, and strengthened military diplomacy.

Meanwhile, the West Africa Para Games and other hosted events created hundreds of direct jobs and thousands of indirect opportunities across hospitality, transport, security, tourism, merchandising, and other sectors.

Nigeria’s bid for the 2031 African Games is anchored on a forward-looking national vision that sees sports as a powerful driver of development, unity, youth empowerment, and pride.

By seeking to host the continent’s flagship sports festival once more, Nigeria aims to leverage sports as a force for economic growth, international visibility, and national cohesion.

The journey toward 2031 has now begun — and Nigeria has made clear its ambition to once again take center stage in African sports.