Nigeria’s aim of hosting the 2034 Commonwealth Games was at the center of discussions between the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Commonwealth Sport leadership in Abuja.
NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, alongside Nigeria Olympic Committee president Habu Gumel, hosted the Commonwealth Sport President Donal Rukare and Director of Sport, Darren Hall, at the NSC headquarters in Abuja.
The Commonwealth Sport delegation was in Nigeria for engagements with the NSC, following meetings held in Glasgow in July 2026 during the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The discussions provide an opportunity to review Nigeria’s hosting proposition and assess progress towards a potential 2034 bid.
The key part of the engagement is a presentation by the Commonwealth Sport team on its detailed review of Nigeria’s 2030 Commonwealth Games bid.
It is expected to provide a foundation for developing the country’s proposed 2034 bid, in line with the Commonwealth Sport hosting strategy.
The review highlights several strengths, including strong federal government backing and political commitment, an ambitious legacy vision, and existing infrastructure in Abuja and Lagos.
It also highlighted ongoing sports infrastructure projects and Nigeria’s previous experience of hosting major sporting events.
Other strengths include the proposed co-hosting model, the country’s broader sports development agenda and its wider Pan-African positioning.
The assessment also acknowledges improvements made through additional submissions by Nigeria, while identifying venue alignment, game scheduling, and budgeting.
The optional sports strategy as areas requiring further consideration ahead of a potential 2034 bid was also acknowledged.
The engagement forms part of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to secure the hosting rights for the 2034 Commonwealth Games.
At the Commonwealth Sport Ministers Meeting in Glasgow in July 2026, ministers passed a resolution calling for the 2034 Games to be hosted in Africa.
Nigeria was among the countries being considered following its previous 2030 bid.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
