Nigeria Didn’t Lose 2030 Commonwealth Games On Infrastructure — Dikko

Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, has dismissed suggestions that Nigeria’s unsuccessful bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games was due to inadequate sports facilities, insisting that other undisclosed factors influenced the decision.

Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Region 2 meeting of directors of sports organised by the African Union Sports Council in Abuja, Dikko described Nigeria’s bid as “very bold” and well-received by the Commonwealth Games Federation.

According to him, Nigeria remains firmly in contention to host a future edition of the Games, with discussions already shifting towards 2034.

“We didn’t lose the 2030 Commonwealth Games bid,” Dikko said. “The initial plan was for Nigeria to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and then stage the 2031 African Games, but the situation has now changed.”

He explained that India has been given the nod to host the 2030 edition, while Nigeria has been granted the right of first refusal for the 2034 Games.

“We are now in conversations with the Commonwealth regarding 2034,” he added.

Dikko was emphatic that Nigeria’s sporting infrastructure was not a factor in the outcome, stressing that the country possesses the capacity to stage major international events.

“It is not about our sporting infrastructure or facilities,” he said. “There are other factors involved, which we believe will be addressed before 2034.”

The NSC chairman maintained that Nigeria’s strong bid has enhanced its reputation within the Commonwealth sporting community and positioned the country favourably for future hosting opportunities.

He added that ongoing reforms in the sports sector, alongside planned investments in infrastructure and governance, would further strengthen Nigeria’s case as a capable host nation.

The Abuja meeting continues to bring together sports administrators from across West Africa to align regional strategies and explore ways of leveraging sport for economic growth and youth development.