The African Union (AU) has officially awarded Nigeria the hosting rights for the 6th Specialized Technical Committee (STC) Meeting of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC), scheduled for 2027.
The announcement was made on Friday during the Meeting of Ministers of the African Union Sports Council in Bujumbura, Burundi.
The STC is one of the AU’s highest decision-making bodies in the areas of sports, youth, and culture. It brings together Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Directors-General, and technical experts from all AU Member States to shape continental policies, strategic frameworks, and implementation plans for sports development, youth empowerment, and cultural integration.
In approving Nigeria’s bid, the Council of Ministers commended the country’s renewed leadership in African sports, its proven capacity to host major international events, and its increasing role in youth-focused and cultural advancement initiatives across the continent.
The endorsement followed a detailed presentation by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, who highlighted Nigeria’s recent achievements in hosting major competitions, ongoing reforms in the sports sector, and the nation’s preparedness to stage high-level continental engagements.
The 2027 meeting is expected to be highly technical and policy-driven, with far-reaching implications for the future of sports and cultural development in Africa. Delegations from across the continent will convene in Nigeria to deliberate on frameworks that will shape the continent’s sports landscape.
Also Read: Nigeria Flags Off Participation in Maiden African School Games in Algeria, Backs Youth and Olympic Dreams As the curtain rises on the Maiden African School Games in Algeria, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has affirmed Nigeria’s commitment to youth development, national pride, and the Olympic dream by facilitating the country’s participation in this historic continental event. Scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 5, 2025, across various Algerian cities, the African School Games is a first-of-its-kind initiative organized by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) in collaboration with the International School Sport Federation (ISF) and supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Nigeria will be represented by a robust delegation comprising 60 student-athletes, who will compete in 10 sporting disciplines, alongside officials, coaches, and medical personnel. These young athletes are expected to proudly hoist the national flag while showcasing the depth of Nigeria’s sporting talent and potential on a global grooming platform. “This isn’t just about winning medals; it’s about shaping futures, building unity across the continent, and instilling values that last a lifetime,” said Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission. “Nigeria’s participation is a strategic investment in our youth—who represent the foundation of our nation's greatness in sport and beyond.” The Games emphasize the core Olympic values of friendship, solidarity, and fair play. With 25 sports disciplines on the schedule, the event provides a unique opportunity to identify, nurture, and develop emerging athletic talent across Africa. It also aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to deepen its sports talent pool in preparation for future global events such as the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. “We are not just participating—we are preparing,” Olopade added. “This experience will provide our athletes with the exposure, resilience, and international perspective necessary to succeed on the world stage.” Beyond athletic competition, the African School Games aim to promote pan-African unity and leverage sport as a catalyst for social development. Nigerian athletes will compete alongside their peers from across the continent, fostering mutual respect, cultural exchange, and long-lasting friendships. To further inspire the young participants, Olympic legends Noureddine Morceli and Hassiba Boulmerka have been appointed as ambassadors for the Games. Their mentorship is expected to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for Africa’s next generation of champions. ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf emphasized the importance of the event, stating: > “We are witnessing an exceptional moment. ANOCA is living one of its most cherished dreams—offering African youths a platform for development through sport, in the spirit of Olympism.” The National Sports Commission remains unwavering in its vision of using sport as a vehicle for nation-building and youth empowerment. Nigeria’s participation in the African School Games is a testament to that commitment and marks the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s sporting history. SIGNED: Kola Daniel Special Assistant, Media Office of the Director General National Sports Commission (NSC) Date: July 25, 2025
Hosting the STC aligns with Nigeria’s broader continental ambitions, including preparations for the second edition of the Africa School Games in 2027—a flagship event aimed at grooming future sporting talents. Nigeria is also advancing its bid to host the 2031 African Games, supported by a strong proposal centered on long-term sports development and infrastructure expansion.
Nigeria’s selection to host the 6th AUSC STC Meeting highlights the country’s commitment to institutional excellence, continental cooperation, and youth-focused development, consistent with the reform agenda of the National Sports Commission and Africa’s shared aspirations.
Under the leadership of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade, the National Sports Commission reaffirmed its dedication to positioning Nigeria as a hub for continental sports diplomacy, youth development, and cultural exchange.
Signed:
Dr. (Mrs.) Kehinde Ajayi, FCAI, ANIPR
Director, Press,
National Sports Commission (NSC)
December 12, 2025
