National Sports Commission Director-General Bukola Olopade has opened discussions with World Athletics president Sebastian Coe about Nigeria potentially staging the 2030 World Athletics U-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
Olopade explores Nigeria’s hosting prospects
Olopade’s visit to Oregon, where the 2026 championships are taking place from August 5 to 9, extended beyond supporting Nigeria’s young athletes. During the event, he held informal discussions aimed at determining whether World Athletics might be willing to consider Nigeria as a future host.
Part of a wider sports strategy
The potential bid would form part of the NSC’s wider effort to attract major international competitions under Olopade’s leadership. The Director-General has also expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ambition to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
- The commission is seeking to expand Nigeria’s sports economy.
- Its hosting drive has been presented as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
- The broader objective is to establish Nigeria as a credible venue for major global athletics events.
Africa’s next potential host
Should Nigeria secure the event, it would become just the second African country to stage the World Athletics U-20 Championships. Kenya is currently the only other host from the continent, having held the competition in Nairobi in 2021.
