Nigeria’s preparations to host the 2nd African School Games, Abuja 2027, received a major boost at the Extraordinary Session of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) General Assembly, held earlier this week, at the Hilton Hotel, Nagoya, Japan.
The Assembly brought together ANOCA leadership, representatives of African National Olympic Committees, invited guests and key stakeholders from across the Olympic Movement, including the leadership of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) and the Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC).
Nigeria was given the platform to provide an update on Abuja 2027 following the award of the hosting rights to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The presentation was delivered by the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Mr. Lekan Abari, following an introduction by the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel.
Proceedings began at 9:00 a.m. with registration and roll call, followed by a welcome address by the ANOCA President, H.E. Mustapha Berraf. Goodwill messages were subsequently delivered by the CANOC President, Mr. Keith Joseph, and the ONOC President, Mrs. Baklai Temengil-Chilton.
The Assembly also witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between ANOCA and CANOC, and between ANOCA and Shanghai Yude Energy Co. Ltd., a China-based company that pledged to provide power solutions for ANOCA events and announced its intention to provide a generator to each ANOCA member country.
Following a group photograph and coffee break, President Berraf delivered an extensive address on the future of the African Games, while Senegal provided an update on preparations for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Presenting Abuja 2027, Mr. Abari situated the project within the mandate given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to secure the hosting rights and ensure the successful delivery of the Games. He also acknowledged the leadership of the National Sports Commission under its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade.
The presentation provided a comprehensive update covering the formal hosting and signing ceremony, ANOCA’s initial inspection of facilities, progress made since the inspection, the readiness of the LOC, venue rehabilitation and completion plans, approved disciplines and dates, funding and resource mobilisation, as well as organisational preparations.
Particular emphasis was placed on the fact that, while significant work remains, preparations are actively progressing and the LOC remains fully committed to meeting ANOCA’s requirements.
The presentation was well received by the General Assembly, drawing resounding applause and questions on the security and safety 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.
Mr. Abari assured delegates that work was ongoing across all areas and that the LOC would maintain close engagement with ANOCA to address all requirements within the agreed timelines. An official request for the technical manuals has already been forwarded to the LOC.
Several delegates approached the Nigerian delegation after the session to commend the quality and depth of the presentation, noting that it demonstrated a clear understanding of the requirements and substantial groundwork towards the delivery of Abuja 2027.
The Abuja 2027 presentation was one of four major Games updates at the session, alongside 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 major outcome of the session was ANOCA’s reaffirmation of its commitment to Abuja 2027, including a pledge to release financial support for ongoing preparations in line with earlier assurances. The LOC will engage ANOCA on the modalities for the release of the funds.
The Assembly also featured an address by the President of the Olympic Council of Asia, H.E. Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani.
The Nagoya engagement has moved Abuja 2027 from promise to proof, with the Nigerian delegation demonstrating the progress made so far and securing renewed confidence and financial commitment from ANOCA. Attention now shifts back home as preparations intensify towards delivering a successful African School Games in Abuja
