Dikko Receives ANOCA Honour as Nigeria Seals Abuja 2027 African School Games Hosting Deal

Posted : 09 July 2026

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, was honoured by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) after Nigeria formally signed the Games Hosting Agreement for the 2027 African School Games.

The agreement was signed in Abuja, officially confirming Nigeria as the host of the second edition of the continental school sports event, tagged "Abuja 2027."

In recognition of his contributions to sports development in Nigeria and across Africa, ANOCA presented Dikko with its Honorary Award of Excellence during the ceremony. The Commission's Director General, Bukola Olopade, also received a Plaque of Appreciation for his administrative leadership in sports.

Speaking after the signing, Dikko described the hosting rights as a major milestone that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's vision of repositioning Nigerian sports through grassroots development.

According to him, the Commission is prioritising school sports as the foundation for discovering and nurturing future champions, adding that the NSC is collaborating closely with the Federal Ministry of Education to strengthen the sector.

He noted that the success of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) initiative at the National Sports Festival demonstrated the Commission's commitment to grassroots sports development.

Dikko also said the hosting of the African School Games would support ongoing efforts to upgrade sports infrastructure nationwide and expressed confidence that Nigeria would stage a world-class event, drawing from its experience in hosting major international competitions.

Olopade said the Games reflect the Commission's grassroots development mandate and commended ANOCA for its confidence in Nigeria's organisational capacity.

He added that the quality of the Local Organising Committee, led by Lekan Abari, underscored the country's commitment to delivering a successful championship.

ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf thanked the Federal Government and the NSC for embracing the opportunity to host the Games, describing the event as a significant investment in the future of African children.

He said the signing of the agreement confirmed Abuja as the host city and expressed confidence in Nigeria's ability to organise a memorable edition.

The ceremony was attended by top ANOCA officials, including First Vice President João Da Costa, Secretary General Ahmed Hashim, ANOCA Treasurer and President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel, and NOC Secretary General Babatunde Popoola.

Other dignitaries present included the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports, Anthony Adeboye, Director General of the National Institute for Sports, Philip Shaibu, Algerian Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, and Chairman of the Abuja 2027 Local Organising Committee, Lekan Abari, who unveiled the Games logo and mascot.

The hosting agreement marks another significant step in Nigeria's commitment to grassroots sports development, with preparations now set to begin for the successful staging of the 2027 African School Games in Abuja.

Dikko Receives ANOCA Honour as Nigeria Seals Abuja 2027 African School Games Hosting Deal

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