Saidu Abubakar with additional Agency Reports
Nigeria has participated in the Commonwealth Games since 1950, with a strong history in athletics, wrestling, and weightlifting. Nigeria achieved its best performance at the 2022 Birmingham Games with 35 medals (12 gold). The country is currently preparing for the 2026 Games. Nigeria, through the Nigerian Olympic Committee and federal support, submitted a bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Abuja. However, the bid was unsuccessful, as Ahmedabad, India, was eventually selected as the preferred host.
Below are the key active and past bids, primarily focusing on Nigeria’s efforts:
2031 African Games: Nigeria officially announced its intention to bid for the 2031 African Games, with Abuja as the designated host city. Nigeria and Uganda are the primary contenders bidding to host the 15th African Games in 2031, with both nations receiving evaluation visits from the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) in early 2026. Nigeria is positioning Abuja as a host city, highlighting infrastructure investment, while Uganda is proposing a multi-city bid featuring upgraded stadiums. The National Sports Commission (NSC) officially launched its bid in March 2026, aiming to leverage the games for sports development and infrastructure expansion. The AUSC evaluated Nigeria’s preparedness in Abuja in late March/April 2026, with Nigerian officials expressing confidence in their ability to deliver a world-class tournament.
2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON): Nigeria and Benin Republic submitted a joint bid to host the 2027 AFCON, but the rights were awarded by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to a joint bid from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The tournament is scheduled to run from June 19 to July 18, 2027.
2025 AFCON: Nigeria lost the bid to host the 2025 AFCON, which was ultimately awarded to Morocco. Sports stakeholders cited that Nigeria’s bid for the 2025 AFCON was “impromptu” and suffered from a lack of early preparation compared to competitors like Morocco, which demonstrated better readiness.
Formula 1 Grand Prix: Nigeria submitted a proposal to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja, looking to return F1 to Africa for the first time since 1993. Supported by the National Sports Commission and Opus Racing Promotions, the proposal includes constructing a new FIA Grade 1 circuit, hotels, and a museum. The bid faces competition from other African locations, notably Rwanda and South Africa.
2003 African Games: Nigeria last hosted a major multi-sport event – All-African Games (COJA) – in Abuja in 2003. Nigeria hosted the 8th All-Africa Games from October 4–18, 2003, in the capital city, Abuja. Nigeria topped the medal table with 240 medals (85 gold, 90 silver, 65 bronze). Key highlights included the debut of women’s football, with Nigeria’s Super Falcons winning gold, while Cameroon won the men’s tournament. About 50-53 nations competed in 22 to 23 sporting disciplines.
2014 Commonwealth Games: Nigeria previously lost a bid to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games to Glasgow. Glasgow won the 2014 Commonwealth Games hosting bid, defeating Abuja, Nigeria, with 47–24 votes by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) on November 9, 2007, in Sri Lanka. Glasgow’s proposal was praised for its preparation, high percentage of existing venues, and experience. The Games were held in Scotland from July 23 to August 3, 2014.
2020 U20 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria submitted a bid to host the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in 2019/2020 but lost the bid to become the first African country to host a global women’s tournament after FIFA chose Costa Rica and Panama as joint hosts. Ultimately, the COVID-19 pandemic later forced the postponement and restructuring of the 2020 tournament, which was later held in 2022.
2026 Commonwealth Games Preparations: Preparations for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games are underway, though fears exist regarding the ability of US-based athletes to return to the US if they travel to Scotland, potentially hindering team strength.
Historical Performance: Since 1950, Nigeria has participated in 14 games, winning medals in every edition, with a high of 37 medals in 1994. Nigeria achieved its best-ever performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, finishing 7th with 35 medals (initially 12 gold, 9 silver, 14 bronze). Led by standout performances in athletics, weightlifting, and powerlifting, the team produced multiple world and games records, primarily driven by women athletes.
Key Sports: Nigeria is highly competitive in athletics, weightlifting, wrestling, and para-sports.