Nigeria backs ANOCA rotation policy as Uganda lands 2031 African Games hosting rights

By Maxwell Kumoye 

Uganda's emergence as host of the 2031 African Games has been linked to the rotational hosting policy of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA), a framework designed to ensure equitable distribution of the continent's biggest multi-sport event among Africa's regions.

Investigations have revealed that the East African nation benefited significantly from the policy, which seeks to spread hosting opportunities across the continent rather than concentrating them in a few countries.

The decision is also understood to have been aided by Nigeria's withdrawal from the race, leaving Uganda as the sole candidate for the prestigious event.

For Nigeria, supporting the rotational arrangement aligns with the country's longstanding contribution to the growth of the African Games movement. The nation has already hosted the continental showpiece twice, first in Lagos in 1973 and again in Abuja in 2003, making it one of only a handful of countries to have staged the Games on multiple occasions.

Alongside Nigeria, countries such as Algeria, Republic of the Congo and Egypt have also hosted the Games more than once, underscoring their historic roles in African sports development.

Mainasara Illo, a prominent Nigerian sports administrator and former broadcaster who led Nigeria's bid explained that the last four Games have been shared between West Africa and North Africa.

“In 2019 Morocco hosted the Games and four years later it went to Ghana while Egypt is hosting the 2027 and note that Nigeria hosted it 2003, so it's fair to say East Africa deserves another chance to host the rest of the continent.”

ANOCA's regional balancing strategy appears to have weighed heavily in Uganda's favour. 

West Africa most recently hosted the Games in 2023 when Ghana staged the event in Accra, while East Africa has waited far longer for another opportunity, having last hosted the Games in 1987 when Kenya welcomed the continent's elite athletes.

The 44-year gap between East Africa's previous hosting experience and the planned 2031 edition made a compelling case for the region's return to the spotlight. 

Uganda's successful bid is therefore being viewed as both a reward for patience and a reflection of ANOCA's commitment to inclusivity and regional representation.

Mainasara Illo, a highly experienced administrator who has extensive expertise in organizing major sporting events. Notably, he served as the Chairman of the Bid Committee for the 2030 Commonwealth Games said the rotational policy was initially to begin in 2035 but it was brought forward to 2031.

Illo who was a key member of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup hosted by Nigeria, believes Uganda will be a good host and hopefully when the opportunity comes again for West Africa to host Nigeria may bid for it.

Sports stakeholders believe Nigeria's decision not to pursue the hosting rights demonstrates a broader commitment to continental unity and development. Having already enjoyed the economic, infrastructural and sporting benefits associated with hosting the Games, Nigeria is seen as supporting a model that allows other regions to experience similar gains.

Uganda's selection now opens a new chapter for East African sport, with the country expected to leverage the Games to accelerate infrastructure development, boost athlete performance programmes and showcase the region's capacity to host major international events.

As preparations begin for 2031, Nigeria's stance reinforces the principle that the African Games belong to the entire continent, with every region deserving its turn to host Africa's premier multi-sport spectacle.