The African Union Sports Council (AUSC) has completed an evaluation mission to Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria, as part of the bidding process to select the host nation for the 15th Edition of the African Games, scheduled for 2031. Nigeria formally lodged its interest in hosting the continental multi-sport event, prompting the AUSCโs on-site assessment.
The mission was led by Dr. Decius Hikabwa Chipande, Head of the African Union Sports Council. The delegation included:
- Mr. Sid Ahmed Selmi, Chairperson of the Technical Committee for the African Games (TCAG)
- Dr. Samuel Ogdongeminu, Vice Chairperson of TCAG
- Mr. Penalva Cerza, TCAG Member
- Ms. Lina Kessy, Senior Sports Officer overseeing African Games organization
- Chief Dr. Michael Shamsu Mustapha, Secretary General, AUSC Region 2
During the visit, the AUSC delegation held high-level meetings with key Nigerian sports authorities, including Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission; Honourable Bukola Olopade, Director General of the Commission; and Mr. Mainasara Illo, Chairman of the Abuja 2031 Bid Committee. Members of the Bid Committee also participated in the consultations.
The inspection mission was attended by Engr. Habu Gumel, President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee and Treasurer General of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).
As part of the assessment, the delegation conducted detailed inspections of the venues proposed for the Games. These included:
- Moshood Abiola National Stadium Complex
- Jabi Lake
- Abuja Continental Hotel
- Hilton Hotel
- Federal Medical Centre
- Africa Medical Centre of Excellence
- The proposed site for the Games Village
The AUSC will compile its findings for consideration by the African Unionโs Specialized Technical Committee on Youth, Culture and Sports, which is scheduled to endorse the host country for the 15th African Games during its Extraordinary Session in June 2026.
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