Nigeria has formally submitted Abuja as its candidate city to host the centenary 2030 Commonwealth Games, with Lagos also earmarked to stage some events.
The country filed its proposal on 2 September, ahead of the deadline set by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).
If Nigeria’s bid is approved, Lagos would host football, table tennis and beach volleyball, while Abuja would serve as the main Games city.
Canada, who staged the inaugural Games in Hamilton in 1930, was expected to bid but did not enter. India, however, has confirmed its candidacy.
On Wednesday, a Nigerian delegation met CGF officials in London to press the country’s case. If successful, Abuja would become the first African city to host the Games since their inception in 1930.
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President Bola Tinubu took to social media to make a direct appeal to the Commonwealth family.
“It is time for Africa. After 100 years of the Commonwealth Games, they have never been hosted on African soil,” he wrote.
“By bringing the Commonwealth Centenary Games to Nigeria in 2030, you will send a powerful message that every region of the Commonwealth matters, and that Africa is not only part of the story, but central to its future.”
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The Commonwealth Sport Executive Board has appointed an Evaluation Commission to assess the bids from Nigeria and India.
Candidate hosts will deliver presentations in London later this month, with the Commission’s findings to be reported before a final decision is made at the General Assembly in Glasgow this November.
Officials say winning the Games would mark a defining moment for Nigeria and for Africa.
