Sports
Nigeria Bids to Host 2031 African Games After Commonwealth Bid Collapse
Nigeria has formally submitted its bid to host the 2031 African Games, following its unsuccessful attempt to secure the 2030 Commonwealth Games, which were awarded to India.
The proposal was presented to the African Union Sports Council (AUSC), marking Nigeria’s renewed ambition to host Africa’s premier multi-sport event nearly 25 years after staging the highly acclaimed 2003 COJA Games in Abuja.
Director of Press at the National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr Kehinde Ajayi, announced the development in a statement released early Friday. He revealed that the bid was delivered during high-level engagements with the AUSC, where Nigeria restated its readiness and capacity to organise another world-class continental event.
Esteemed sports administrator and broadcaster Mainasara Ilo presented the bid on behalf of the nation.
Ajayi’s statement highlighted Nigeria’s strong track record in hosting major international sports competitions. In recent years, the country has successfully organised events such as the 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, and the African Cadet and Junior Taekwondo Championship, among others.
Nigeria’s hosting of the CAA U18/U20 Africa Athletics Championships generated significant economic impact, boosting activity across multiple value chains. Over 5,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) recorded increased patronage, resulting in substantial injections into the local economy.
Similarly, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, rated a World Athletics Gold Label race, has become a major global showcase for Nigeria, enhancing international visibility, attracting elite runners worldwide, and strengthening tourism.
In 2024, Nigeria successfully hosted the Africa Military Games, an achievement that boosted the nation’s soft power, advanced military diplomacy, and deepened regional cooperation.
The West Africa Para Games and other related events have also created hundreds of direct jobs and thousands of indirect opportunities across hospitality, transportation, tourism, security, merchandising, and event services.
According to the NSC, Nigeria’s bid for the 2031 African Games is anchored on a long-term vision to harness sports as a driver of national development, economic growth, and continental influence.
