Two Decades After COJA, Nigeria Seeks To Bring African Games Home Again

Two Decades After COJA, Nigeria Seeks To Bring African Games Home Again

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria has officially submitted its bid to host the 2031 African Games, marking a renewed push to bring the continent’s flagship multisport event back to the country nearly 25 years after the successful staging of the 2003 Games (COJA), BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The bid was presented to the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) during high-level engagements, with veteran sports broadcaster and administrator Mainasara Ilo representing Nigeria. The delegation reiterated the nation’s readiness and growing capacity to deliver a world-class continental event.

Nigeria’s ambition is backed by a strong track record of hosting major international and continental championships in recent years. The country has successfully staged 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. These events have reinforced Nigeria’s organizational competence and laid the groundwork for hosting an event as extensive as the African Games.

Key to Nigeria’s rising profile in African sports governance are the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade. Both officials have been central to driving reforms within the sports sector and championing the country’s sports-economy agenda efforts that have already begun to yield tangible gains.

One example is the recent CAA U18/U20 Africa Athletics Championships, which generated significant economic activity. Over 5,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) benefited from increased patronage, boosting local business engagement and cash flow. Similarly, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon—accredited as a World Athletics Gold Label race—has enhanced Nigeria’s global visibility, attracted international tourism, and cemented its place on the world running circuit.

Nigeria’s successful hosting of the 2024 Africa Military Games further strengthened its soft power on the continent, bolstering regional cooperation and advancing military diplomacy. Meanwhile, the West Africa Para Games and several related events created hundreds of direct jobs and supported thousands more across hospitality, transportation, security, tourism, logistics, and merchandising sectors.

The country’s bid for the 2031 African Games is anchored on a broader vision of leveraging sports as a driver of national development. Officials say the Games would further promote unity, empower young people, stimulate economic growth, and elevate national pride.