Nigeria aimed to be the first African country to host the Commonwealth Games
India has beaten Nigeria to hosting rights of the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
In a statement on Wednesday, the executive board of the Commonwealth Games confirmed that it will recommend Ahmedabad, India, as the host city for the 2030 edition of the games.
“Amdavad’s proposal emphasises India’s commitment to the values of the Commonwealth and its capacity to stage a Games that reflects the scale and diversity of modern sport,” the statement reads.
“The recommendation represents a landmark moment for the Commonwealth Sport Movement. The 2030 Games will mark the centenary of the inaugural event held in Hamilton, Canada, in 1930. With Glasgow 2026 fast approaching and promising to deliver a ‘wow factor’ for athletes and fans alike, today’s recommendation provides an exciting platform for the Centenary Games and beyond, offering long-term stability and momentum.”
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The recommendation will be presented to the full Commonwealth Sport membership, with the final decision to be made at the Commonwealth Sport general assembly in Glasgow on 26 November 2025.
The Commonwealth board described the Nigeria submission as “impressive and ambitious” and pledged to “develop a strategy for supporting and accelerating Nigeria’s hosting ambitions for future Games, including consideration for 2034”.
Nigeria had hoped to be the first African country to host the Commonwealth Games. Abuja was the proposed hosting city.
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President Bola Tinubu had described the bid as a “dream”, adding that the country intends to send a “powerful message” in his attempt to hold the competition.
