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Nigeria to Host 2027 African Schools Games After Successful Bid

Nigeria has secured the rights to host the second edition of the African Schools Games in 2027, beating out rival bids from South Africa and Kenya. The announcement was made on Tuesday in Algiers, Algeria, during the ongoing inaugural edition of the continental school sports festival.

The African Schools Games bring together student-athletes aged 14 to 17 from across the continent to compete in various sporting disciplines, promoting youth development and regional unity through sport.

Reacting to the announcement, Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, described Nigeria’s selection as host as a pivotal moment for the country’s sports development landscape.

“This victory is more than a hosting right; it’s a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s growing reputation as Africa’s sports capital,” Olopade said. “It reflects the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda — leveraging sports for economic growth, youth empowerment, and continental leadership.”

Olopade assured that Nigeria would provide a world-class experience for all participating nations in 2027, emphasizing the country’s commitment to nurturing young athletic talent and strengthening regional cooperation.

Meanwhile, Team Nigeria continues to make its mark at the inaugural edition of the Games in Algeria, with 60 student-athletes competing across 10 sports. As of the latest tally, the team has secured at least 19 medals, showcasing the country’s future potential on the continental stage.

The 2024 African Schools Games is scheduled to conclude on August 5.

By Haruna Yakubu Haruna