Nigeria has formally submitted a bid to the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) to host the 2031 African Games, underlining the country’s ambition to welcome the continent’s flagship multisport event nearly 25 years after staging a successful edition in 2003.
The Nigeria Sports Commission confirmed on Friday that the bid was presented during high-level engagements with the AUSC, where the country reaffirmed its readiness and capacity to deliver another world-class Games. The presentation was made by sports broadcaster and administrator Mainasara Ilo.
Nigeria’s bid is backed by a strong recent hosting record, having successfully staged several major international events, including the CAA Africa U18/U20 Athletics Championships, Africa Karate Championship, ITTF Africa Youth Table Tennis Championship, African Armwrestling Championship, West Africa Para Games and the African Cadet and Junior Taekwondo Championship.
Key figures driving Nigeria’s renewed push on the continental stage include National Sports Commission chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, both of whom have championed sports as a pillar of economic growth.
The CAA U18/U20 Athletics Championships alone delivered significant economic benefits, with over 5,000 small and medium enterprises recording increased business activity.
Flagship events such as the World Athletics Gold Label Lagos City Marathon have further enhanced Nigeria’s global profile, boosting tourism and attracting elite athletes, while the hosting of the 2024 Africa Military Games strengthened regional cooperation and military diplomacy.
Officials believe the 2031 African Games bid aligns with a broader vision to use sports as a catalyst for national development, job creation and international visibility.
