Nigeria Confirms Bid for 2031 African Games as AUSC Delegation Set for Abuja Inspection Tour

Nigeria has taken a significant step toward hosting the prestigious African Games in 2031, as the National Sports Commission (NSC) confirmed the country’s bid ahead of an official inspection by the African Union Sports Council (AUSC).

The high-level AUSC delegation is scheduled to arrive in Abuja from March 30 to 31, 2026, for a crucial evaluation of Nigeria’s preparedness. The visit marks a key milestone in the bidding process, as officials assess whether the country meets the standards required to host Africa’s premier multi-sport competition.

During the inspection, the delegation will tour major sporting venues, review supporting infrastructure, and evaluate operational readiness. The process is designed to ensure that any host nation possesses the technical capacity, organizational strength, and logistical framework necessary to deliver a successful Games.

The NSC stipulates that Nigeria’s bid aligns with its broader ambition to strengthen its position as a leading sporting nation on the continent. Citing the country’s experience in hosting international competitions and ongoing investments in sports development, the Commission expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to stage a world-class event.

Beyond the prestige of hosting, the potential benefits are substantial. The Games are expected to drive infrastructure development, create employment opportunities, and boost youth participation in sports nationwide. Additionally, hosting the event would enhance Nigeria’s standing within Africa’s sporting community.

The AUSC delegation, made up of senior officials and technical experts, will compile its findings following the visit. Their assessment will play a decisive role in determining whether Nigeria secures the rights to host the 2031 edition of the Games.

As the inspection approaches, attention now turns to how effectively Nigeria can showcase its readiness and vision on the continental stage.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey 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.

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