Lagos: Athletes and officials of the Nigerian School Sports contingent have returned home after a strong showing at the inaugural African School Sports Games in Algeria.
The team won 25 medals in total and placed fourth behind Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia.
Team Nigeria finished the Olympic-style event with six gold, 10 silver, and nine bronze medals across 10 different sports. At the closing ceremony, hosts Algeria and ANOCA officially handed over the hosting flag to Nigeria. This confirms Nigeria as the host of the second African School Games in 2027.
The achievement highlights Nigeria’s growing influence in youth sports and athletic development across Africa. Team captain Miracle Ezechukwu expressed joy at the team’s performance and thanked officials for their support.
“This was international exposure for us. We are proud to represent our fatherland and will return stronger,” she said. She appreciated the National Sports Commission for giving them the chance to represent Nigeria.
“It’s a rare opportunity and a dream come true to wear our national colours abroad. I used to watch athletes travel, never imagining I’d not only travel, but captain Nigeria’s team. I’m proud of my achievement, winning two gold medals and one silver,” she said.
The team’s success has strengthened the National Sports Commission’s youth development drive. The NSC revealed that all athletes came through its Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) programme.
They were discovered at the National Sports Festival in Ogun State earlier this year. In Algeria, many of these scouted athletes won medals for Nigeria. Nigeria will officially host the second African School Sports Games in 2027 after securing the ANOCA bid.