Nigeria has promised to make the 2027 Africa Schools Games in Abuja the most memorable edition yet — and top African sports officials are already on the ground checking preparations.

The commitment came from National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Shehu Dikko during a meeting with the visiting ANOCA Africa Schools Games Coordination Commission, which is in Nigeria from June 8 to 11 for strategic sessions with the Local Organizing Committee and venue inspections.

Dikko said: "We're committed to hosting the best Games ever because it clearly aligns with the mandate by our dear President who hasn't hidden his desire to ensure the development of sports from the grassroots."

He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — who is a patron of ANOCA — has mandated the commission to harness the sports economy. "Hosting these international events will help that cause," Dikko said.

The ANOCA team is led by João Da Costa Manuel from Sao Tome. Other members include Gaby Ahrens Diana from Namibia, Ben Mensah Nunoo from Ghana, Jappie Mhango (Malawian Minister of Transportation), Pedro Celestino Godinho from Angola, Olajide Adebola from Nigeria, and Wedu Motswetla from ANOCA. Three members — Fardouza Moussa Egueh from Djibouti, Habu Ahmed Gumel from Nigeria, and Nah Boudina from Tunisia — couldn't join the team.

Dikko also revealed that the NSC is working jointly with the Minister of Education to revive school sports, as mandated by the President. "This is the foundation of sports not just in Nigeria but in Africa, so we must get it right," he said.

NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade recalled that Nigeria has a strong track record of hosting big events — the FIFA U17 and U20 tournaments, and the 2003 All Africa Games. "This particular event won't be different," he said. He added that he was in Algiers when the commission approached ANOCA to host the Schools Games, and that the NSC Chairman gave orders to bring the hosting right home.

João Da Costa Manuel said the delegation wasn't there to dictate terms but to collaborate and offer support. He stressed that athletes are central to the Olympic Movement and that successful School Games are essential for scouting the continent's next generation of talent.

Dikko also assured that President Tinubu will declare the Games open. "The headquarters of ANOCA is here in Abuja, so you're part and parcel of this country," he said.

Nigeria is embarking on a massive infrastructure reset, and the Games will help showcase what is being put in place. The high-level engagements underline Nigeria's readiness to use the Tinubu administration's focus on school sports and international partnerships to leave a mark on African youth sports development.