Abuja 2027 Gets Tentative Dates As ANOCA Endorses Nigeria’s Preparations

Abuja 2027 Gets Tentative Dates as ANOCA Endorses Nigeria’s Preparations

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria’s preparations to host the 2027 African School Games received a significant boost on Tuesday after the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the Local Organising Committee (LOC), BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The endorsement came during a strategic working session between the ANOCA African School Games Coordination Commission and the Abuja 2027 LOC at the ANOCA Secretariat in Abuja. The meeting marked the first major technical review of Nigeria’s preparations since the country secured the hosting rights in 2025.

During the session, LOC Chairman, Mr. Lekan Abari, delivered a comprehensive 46-slide presentation outlining the roadmap for staging the continental youth sporting event. The presentation detailed governance structures, competition venues, accommodation plans, logistics, operational frameworks, and the long-term legacy objectives of the Games.

Abari highlighted the organisational structure of the LOC and its various sub-committees, each responsible for specific aspects of Games delivery.

According to the proposed plan, the Moshood Abiola National Stadium will serve as the primary venue for the opening and closing ceremonies, athletics events, and several other sporting competitions. The Transcorp Hilton Abuja has been designated to accommodate officials and stakeholders, while Jabi Lake is earmarked for canoeing events. The Games Village and the University of Abuja are expected to house participating athletes and team officials.

The LOC also proposed August 22 to September 4, 2027, as the official dates for the Games. Abari explained that the 14-day schedule was selected after careful consideration of Nigeria’s political calendar, prevailing weather conditions, and the international academic calendar to ensure maximum participation and attendance.

Speaking after the presentation, Chairman of the ANOCA African School Games Coordination Commission, Joao Da Costa Manuel, expressed confidence in the preparations undertaken so far.

“I am satisfied and okay with the level of preparation the Local Organising Committee is putting in place,” Da Costa Manuel said.

He, however, urged the organisers to maintain close supervision of all aspects of planning and execution to ensure Abuja delivers a successful edition capable of setting new standards for future African School Games.

The African School Games, ANOCA’s flagship youth multi-sport event, made its debut in Algeria in 2025 and attracted participation from more than 30 African nations. The Abuja 2027 edition, which will be the second in the competition’s history, is expected to bring together more than 3,000 student-athletes aged between 14 and 16 years competing in over 20 sports.

As part of its ongoing assessment, the ANOCA Coordination Commission is scheduled to continue its working visit with inspections of the proposed competition and accommodation venues. The delegation will tour the Moshood Abiola National Stadium and its facilities, Jabi Lake, accommodation centres, and the University of Abuja campus.

With ANOCA expressing confidence in the country’s preparations, Nigeria has taken another important step toward hosting what is expected to be Africa’s premier school sports festival in 2027. Organisers say efforts will continue in the coming months to transform the hosting blueprint into a successful reality.