Joel Ajayi
The National Sports Commission (NSC) is set for the visit of a delegation from the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) as part of preparations for the successful hosting of the 2nd African School Games, Abuja 2027.
The high-level visit, scheduled for 9th and 10th June 2026, is aimed at assessing the readiness of facilities and reviewing organizational plans for the continental event, which Nigeria is preparing to host in Abuja.
The Director General of the Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade said that “Nigeria is committed to delivering an exceptional African School Games that will showcase the talent, unity, and aspirations of young athletes across Africa.”
“The ANOCA inspection visit provides an important opportunity to demonstrate the significant progress made in our preparations and to strengthen our partnership towards hosting a memorable event in 2027,” he said.
The programme will commence on Tuesday, 9th June 2026, with a meeting between the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the ANOCA delegation at the ANOCA Secretariat in Jabi, Abuja.
The delegation will also engage with the leadership of the National Sports Commission at the Chairman’s Office, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, where discussions will focus on preparations, infrastructure development, athlete welfare, logistics, and Nigeria’s broader vision for delivering a world-class African School Games.
On Wednesday, 10th June 2026, the delegation will undertake a comprehensive inspection of key competition and support facilities earmarked for the Games.
The inspection tour will include the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Package ‘A’, covering the Main Bowl, Training Pitches, and Velodrome, as well as Package ‘B’, where the delegation will assess the Abuja 2027 LOC Secretariat, Baseball Pitch, Indoor Sports Hall, Swimming Pool Complex, Gymnasium Hall, Hockey Pitch, Tennis Courts, and Cricket Pitch.
The delegation will also visit the International Conference Centre (ICC), designated for major meetings and conference activities associated with the Games, before concluding the tour at Jabi Lake, one of Abuja’s landmark recreational and tourism destinations.
The National Sports Commission expressed confident that Abuja possesses the infrastructure, organizational capacity, and hospitality required to host a successful and impactful edition of the African School Games, further reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a leading destination for major sporting events in Africa.
