Nigeria Seeks British Support for 2034 Commonwealth Games Hosting Bid

Posted : 11 August 2026

The Federal Government is seeking British support for Nigeria's bid to host the 2034 Commonwealth Games. National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko made the appeal during a reception for Team Nigeria following the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Dikko told British High Commissioner Richard Montgomery that Nigeria was ready to provide the facilities required to stage a successful Commonwealth Games. The approach comes after Nigeria's previous attempts to secure the 2014 and 2030 editions ended without success.

Nigeria had formally pursued the 2030 Games, with Abuja presenting its final bid in London in September 2025. Ahmedabad in India was eventually selected for the 2030 centenary edition, leaving the 2034 Games as another opportunity for Nigeria.

Commonwealth Sport has not yet awarded the 2034 Games. The formal process for selecting the 2034 host is expected to begin later in 2026, meaning Nigeria's campaign remains at an early stage.

Dikko is now hoping Nigeria's strong performance in Glasgow can strengthen the country's case. Team Nigeria finished seventh overall and was the highest-ranked African delegation at the Games.

The NSC chairman also praised Glasgow and the people of Scotland for their organisation of the Games. He said the competition gave Nigerian athletes valuable exposure against some of the world's leading competitors and provided useful preparation for future international events.

Nigeria's performance included 10 gold medals. Dikko said the country won 10 of Africa's 22 gold medals and highlighted the wider impact of the results on Nigerian sport.

British High Commissioner Montgomery praised Team Nigeria's performance and described the country as an important member of the Commonwealth family. He also expressed Britain's willingness to strengthen cooperation with the National Sports Commission in support of Nigerian sports development.

The Commonwealth itself is reviewing how future Games can be delivered at a more sustainable cost. Glasgow 2026 has been presented as a leaner model that uses existing infrastructure and a reduced sports programme, with Commonwealth officials hoping the approach will make hosting more accessible to potential future hosts.

That model could be important to Nigeria's 2034 ambitions. A successful bid would require strong government backing, suitable facilities and a credible plan that meets Commonwealth Sport's evolving financial and sustainability expectations.

Nigeria has never hosted the Commonwealth Games. The country first lost the 2014 hosting race to Glasgow and later failed to secure the 2030 edition, making the 2034 campaign another major opportunity to bring the Games to Africa.

Nigeria Seeks British Support for 2034 Commonwealth Games Hosting Bid

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