The National Sports Commission has inaugurated a 28-member local organising committee for the second edition of the 2027 African Schools Games, tagged Abuja 2027.

The committee was inaugurated on Tuesday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja by the NSC chairman, Shehu Dikko.

Mr Dikko charged the LOC with organising world-class youth games, assuring them of the commission’s full support and reiterating the federal government’s commitment to hosting an international-standard event.

“Nigeria was given the honour to host the second edition of the  African Schools’ Games in 2027. This is not just any sporting event; it is a continental gathering that puts our young people at the centre of Africa’s future.

“By inaugurating the LOC today, we are taking the first formal step in turning this opportunity into a historic story that Africa will leave to remember,” he said.

He assured African partners and the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) that Abuja 2027 would be safe, well-organised and memorable for young athletes across the continent.

The director-general of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, said today is important for two reasons.

“In 2025, the NSC’s grassroots department took kids to Algeria, and they came fourth in spite of participating in only 10 sports, unlike other countries that competed in all sports,” stated Mr Olopade. “Nigeria won the hosting rights for the African Schools Games, beating  four other bidding countries.”

He said Nigeria was set to host the African Schools Games, aligned with the commission’s Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy, which prioritises sports production.

Mr Olopade said Nigeria was steadily reclaiming its position as a hub for major international sporting events, noting that hosting such competitions would enhance the country’s socio-cultural and economic development.

The chairman of the LOC, Lekan Abari, assured that the committee would work with dedication and transparency to deliver what he described as the best African Youth Games ever staged.

He commended the leadership of the NSC under Messrs Dikko and Olopade, describing the current phase as a renaissance for Nigerian sports.

Members of the committee include Musa Amadu (deputy chairman), Sagaya Abdulmumeen (Secretary), Ibrahim Abdul, Sabina Chikere, Adamu Tanimu, Olubunmi Ola-Oluode, Lydia Gbagi, Olufunke Florence Olu-Young, Oba Funsho Usman, Victor Onogagamue, Farouk Yarma, Chichi Nwoko, Ebidowei Oweife, Chief Amaka Ashiofu, Olalekan Alabi, Tunde Adeluola, Jude Ayandofu, Lanre Ogunjobi, Aisha Shuaibu, Kola Daniel, Ibrahim Gyaran, Femi Ayorinde, Rabiu Mohammed, Yusuf Adamu, Jahnedu Ibekwelu, Gbadebo Oyebola and Friday Agbom.

The hosting rights were officially awarded to Nigeria following a successful bid that surpassed strong contenders such as South Africa and Kenya.

Nigeria won 25 medals, comprising six gold, 10 silver, and nine bronze, at the inaugural edition held in Annaba, Algiers, Algeria in 2025.

(NAN)