Nigeria To Participate In Inaugural African School Games

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed Nigeria’s participation in the inaugural African School Games, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 5, 2025, in Algeria.

This landmark championship, organised by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), aims to redefine youth sports development across the African continent.

“This is a milestone opportunity for Nigeria to showcase and nurture its school-age sporting talents on a continental stage,” said the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade. “We are working closely with the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), school authorities, and parents to ensure the successful preparation and representation of Team Nigeria.”

Team Nigeria, according to a statement from Kola Daniel, the special assistant to the director general of the NSC, will compete in ten disciplines, including athletics, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, canoeing, football, swimming, table tennis, cycling, and taekwondo. The official arrival of participants, including Chefs de Mission, and the opening of the Games Village is set for 23 July 2025.
Speaking on Nigeria’s renewed hope for sports and the future of Nigerian athletics, Hon. Olopade stated,

“This is a breath of fresh air for the NSC as the youth are benefiting from the sports economy we are building, a mandate given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the NSC leadership. Twenty-one federations have competed internationally outside Nigeria since we assumed office, ensuring equal attention to all sports. We are engaging the youth, building our sports economy, and developing our sports.”

A valid school certificate will be required for all athletes, in accordance with event regulations. The NSC and NOC will also coordinate with parents and guardians to obtain parental authorisations for eligible minors participating in the Games.

The African School Games represent a first-of-its-kind event for the continent, dedicated exclusively to young African school children.

Its mission is clear: to provide a unique platform for talent identification, grassroots development, and youth integration—while promoting the Olympic values of excellence, solidarity, and fraternity.

The National Sports Commission reaffirms its commitment to empowering Nigerian youth through sport and leveraging international platforms to inspire a new generation of champions.