ANOCA Backs Tinubu’s Sports Reforms, Targets More Global Events for Nigeria

Mallam Shehu Dikko
Chairman, National Sports Commission

.... As Berraf describes Nigeria as a strategic partner, says the country’s support has strengthened ANOCA’s operations on the continent.

“We are grateful to Nigeria for building and handing over the ANOCA headquarters at no cost. With this gesture, we are Nigerians by extension and will not hesitate to collaborate on sporting initiatives.”

.... Confirms that Nigeria will co-host the 2027 African Schools Sports event.

Nigeria’s ambition to become a major hub for international sporting events has received a significant endorsement from the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, as its President, Mustapha Berraf, commended ongoing reforms under Bola Ahmed Tinubu and pledged deeper collaboration with the country.

Berraf, who led an ANOCA delegation to the headquarters of the National Sports Commission in Abuja, praised Nigeria for hosting the continental body’s headquarters and for its commitment to advancing sports development across Africa. He described Nigeria as a strategic partner, noting that the country’s support has strengthened ANOCA’s operations on the continent.

“We are grateful to Nigeria for building and handing over the ANOCA headquarters at no cost. With this gesture, we are Nigerians by extension and will not hesitate to collaborate on sporting initiatives,” Berraf said.

He confirmed that Nigeria will co-host the 2027 African Schools Sports event and revealed plans to stage the African Athletes Forum in the country, adding that ANOCA would support Nigeria’s bids for major international competitions.

Berraf receiving a souvenir from the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko when he led a delegation from ANOCA to the Commission Headquarters in Abuja.

Berraf also lauded the leadership of the Commission’s Chairman, Shehu Dikko, noting that reforms in Nigeria’s sports sector are already having a ripple effect across Africa.

Responding, Dikko conveyed President Tinubu’s goodwill and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to repositioning sports as a key economic driver. He disclosed that the sector now contributes over one percent to Nigeria’s GDP quarterly, with the country winning more than 373 medals from over 60 international competitions in the past year.

He further highlighted the approval of a Sports Infrastructure Development Bond aimed at upgrading facilities nationwide to attract global tournaments, alongside the signing of the long-awaited anti-doping legislation to ensure integrity in sports.

Dikko emphasised that Nigeria’s partnership with ANOCA would be pivotal in achieving its goal of hosting more international events, assuring the continental body of sustained government support.

Earlier, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Ahmed Gumel, expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s continued backing of ANOCA activities, describing the collaboration as mutually beneficial for sports development across Africa.

The visit signals growing continental confidence in Nigeria’s sports reforms and reinforces its positioning as a leading destination for major sporting events.