Nigeria’s sports administrators are stepping up preparations towards hosting a successful second edition of the African School Games next year in Abuja, as stated during a formal presentation in Nagoya, Japan.
Sports247 reports that the official presentation of Nigeria’s preparations so far for the Games was delivered during an extraordinary session of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) general assembly at Hilton Hotel.
Nigeria’s presensation was delivered by the local organising commirttee’s chairman, Mr. Lekan Abari, who reassured the delegates that Nigeria has been making progress towards staging a memorial Games at Abuja 2027, after accepting the hosting rights.
Abari, who provided a comprehensive update covering the signing ceremony as well as ANOCA’s initial inspection of facilities, assured that the LOC is committed to meeting all requirements, as the project is within President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate for hosting of major international Games.
He also disclosed progress that has been made since the inspection as well as the LOC’s readiness, venue rehabilitation, completion plans, dates, approved disciplines, funding, resource mobilisation and organisational strategies, while emphasising that preparations are actively progressing.
A press release by National Sports Commission (NSC) director-general, Honourable Bukol,a Olopade’s special assistant media, Kola Daniel added: “The presentation was well received by the General Assembly, drawing resounding applause and questions on the security and safety of participants.
“Mr. Abari assured delegates that work was ongoing across all areas and that the LOC would maintain close engagement with ANOCA to address all requirements within the agreed timelines. An official request for the technical manuals has already been forwarded to the LOC.
“Several delegates approached the Nigerian delegation after the session to commend the quality and depth of the presentation, noting that it demonstrated a clear understanding of the requirements and substantial groundwork towards the delivery of Abuja 2027.
“A major outcome of the session was ANOCA’s reaffirmation of its commitment to Abuja 2027, including a pledge to release financial support for ongoing preparations in line with earlier assurances. The LOC will engage ANOCA on the modalities for the release of the funds.
“The Nagoya engagement has moved Abuja 2027 from promise to proof, with the Nigerian delegation demonstrating progress made so far and securing renewed confidence and financial commitment from ANOCA. Attention now shifts towards delivering a successful African School Games in Abuja.”
Sports247 gathered further that Nigeria’s presentation was one of four updates delivered at the session, alongside the 2027 African Beach Games in Equatorial Guinea, African Youth Games in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and the 2027 African Games billed for Cairo, Egypt.
