Nigeria submits expression of interest to host 2030 Commonwealth Games

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nigeria has officially declared its interest in hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games, according to the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), which confirmed that it met the March 28, 2025, deadline for submitting an expression of interest.

The NOC emphasized that a formal bid will proceed only with the federal government’s backing.

This support would initiate plans for infrastructure development, including the construction and renovation of sporting venues, transportation systems, and accommodations—projects expected to yield long-term benefits for both athletes and the general public.

This marks Nigeria’s second attempt at hosting the Games. In 2007, Abuja bid for the 2014 edition but lost to Glasgow, Scotland, which won by a vote of 47 to 24.

However, Nigeria previously demonstrated its capacity to stage large-scale sporting events when it successfully hosted the African Games in 2003.

In a statement issued by NOC spokesperson Tony Nezianya, the Committee described Abuja as a strong candidate city, citing the potential to boost Nigeria’s international image and reinvigorate its sports sector.

“The experience from past international events provides a solid foundation for Nigeria to host again, showcasing its ability to manage logistics, hospitality, and infrastructure development required for the Games,” the statement read.

Hosting the 2030 Games, it added, would serve as “a compelling narrative for the nation’s progress and readiness.”

The next edition of the Commonwealth Games is scheduled to take place in Glasgow from March 17 to 29, 2026. The Scottish city stepped in to host after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew in 2023, citing escalating costs.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

See Full Bio