Nigeria has officially submitted its proposal to the African Union Sports Council to host the 2031 African Games, expressing the country’s intent to host Africa’s top multisport competition over 25 years after it did it successfully in 2003.
The bid presentation was made during high-level meetings with AUSC, when Nigeria confirmed her preparedness and ability to host another top-tier continental festival, according to a statement released by the Nigeria Sports Commission on Friday.
Mainasara Ilo, a top sports broadcaster and administrator, made the offer to the AUSC.
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 are just a few of the major international sporting events that Nigeria has hosted.successfully
Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), and Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General, have continually championed Nigeria’s sports economic agenda.
Nigeria’s successful hosting of the CAA U18/U20 Africa Athletics Championships had a significant economic impact, with over 5,000 small and medium-sized businesses benefiting from increased sales
Similarly, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, a World Athletics Gold Label competition, has emerged as a key worldwide showcase for Nigeria, increasing international recognition, boosting tourism, and attracting elite participants from all over the world.
Nigeria also hosted the 2024 Africa Military Games, which boosted the country’s soft power, deepened regional collaboration, and advanced military diplomacy across the continent.
The West Africa Para Games and other connected events held in the country provided hundreds of direct jobs while indirectly affecting thousands more in industries such as hospitality, transportation, tourism, security, merchandising, and event services.
Nigeria’s intention to host the 2031 Africa Games is driven by a forward-thinking vision of using sports as a catalyst for national development.
