Nigeria eyes 2030 Commonwealth Games hosting

The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh, has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, provided there are improvements in the country’s sporting facilities.

Sen. Enoh made this assertion on Tuesday while addressing journalists in Abuja regarding Team Nigeria’s performance at the recently concluded 13th African Games in Ghana.

Expressing dismay over the fact that no African nation has ever hosted the Commonwealth Games since its inception, the minister described it as a deficiency for the continent despite its membership since 1930.

“While in Ghana during the 2023 All African Games, I appealed for African countries, particularly Nigeria, to submit bids to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games,” he remarked, stressing the need for Africa to break the deadlock.

Sen. Enoh underscored Nigeria’s capability to host such a prestigious event, citing existing facilities and the potential for enhancement across the country.

“All we need to do is to start preparations early, revive some of the facilities, build some, and improve the state of others across the country,” he explained, urging for proactive measures to ensure a successful bid.

Although acknowledging that he may not be in office as the Minister of Sports by 2030, Sen. Enoh highlighted the importance of continuity in achieving long-term goals.

In addition to discussing Nigeria’s bid for the Commonwealth Games, the minister lauded Team Nigeria’s remarkable performance at the 13th African Games in Ghana, where the country secured second place behind Egypt.

With Nigeria clinching 47 gold, 33 silver, and 40 bronze medals, Sen. Enoh emphasised the need for early preparations for the upcoming 14th African Games scheduled for Egypt in 2027.

He pledged full cooperation with the high-performance center and other stakeholders to ensure meticulous planning and training for Team Nigeria’s success in future competitions.