Nigeria has officially submitted its bid to the African Union Sports Council to host the 2031 African Games for the first time since the country held the continent’s flagship multi-sport event in Abuja in 2003.
The Nigeria Sports Commission confirmed on Friday that the bid was presented during a series of high-level engagements with the AUSC, where officials highlighted the country’s preparedness, infrastructure and experience in staging major international competitions.
The bid presentation was delivered by renowned sports broadcaster and administrator Mainasara Ilo, who highlighted Nigeria’s technical capacity and organisational record, while reaffirming the country’s readiness to host a modern, inclusive and impactful African Games.
Nigeria’s case is strongly supported by its recent track record as host of several continental and regional tournaments. These include the CAA Africa U18 and 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.
The economic impact of recent events has been significant. The CAA U18 and U20 Africa Athletics Championships alone provided a boost to more than 5,000 small and medium enterprises through increased commercial activity around host cities.
In the same vein, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, now rated as a World Athletics Gold Label race, has grown into one of Africa’s most visible road races, drawing elite runners from across the globe while promoting tourism and projecting Nigeria’s image on the international stage.
Nigeria further reinforced its credentials in 2024 with the hosting of the Africa Military Games, an event that strengthened regional cooperation, enhanced diplomatic ties and elevated the country’s soft power across the continent.
The West Africa Para Games and related competitions also delivered lasting benefits, creating hundreds of direct jobs and supporting thousands more indirectly in hospitality, transport, tourism, security, merchandising and event services.
