The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, expressed confidence that Nigeria possesses the capability to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, provided there are enhancements in its sporting facilities.
Senator Enoh made this assertion on Tuesday in Abuja while addressing journalists regarding Team Nigeria’s performance at the recently concluded 13th African Games in Ghana.
He lamented the absence of an African host for the Commonwealth Games since its inception, considering Africa’s longstanding membership in the organization.
Senator Enoh emphasized the need for African countries, particularly Nigeria, to submit bids to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, viewing it as an opportunity to rectify the absence of African representation in the Games’ history.
He asserted that Nigeria boasts the requisite infrastructure to stage such a significant tournament but emphasized the necessity of early preparations, facility renovations, and enhancements nationwide to ensure successful hosting.
Although Senator Enoh acknowledged that he might not be in office as the Minister of Sports by then, he stressed the importance of initiating preparations now for future success, highlighting the significance of continuity beyond his tenure.
Furthermore, Senator Enoh commended Team Nigeria’s commendable performance at the 13th African Games in Ghana, where the country secured second place overall, trailing behind Egypt. Nigeria’s athletes achieved notable success, amassing 47 gold, 33 silver, and 40 bronze medals.
However, Senator Enoh underscored the importance of early preparations for the upcoming 14th African Games scheduled for Egypt in 2027, emphasizing the need to start planning now to rival powerhouses like Egypt on the continental stage.
Commonwealth games
He assured stakeholders of his commitment to collaborating with the high-performance center and other relevant entities to initiate early preparations, ensuring Nigeria’s readiness for future sporting events.
Source: guardian.ng
