Jun 10, 2026

Nigeria Bids to Bring Formula 1 to Africa

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in sport

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Abuja, June 10, 2026 — For millions of young Nigerians who grew up watching Formula 1 on television and dreaming of one day seeing those screaming engines and flying cars up close, a bold new chapter may be about to begin.

Nigeria has officially submitted a bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja. If successful, it would mark the first time an African country stages the prestigious motorsport event in over three decades — since South Africa last hosted in 1993.

The announcement, made through the National Sports Commission, has generated excitement across the country.

It positions Nigeria in a growing race among African nations, including South Africa, Rwanda, and Morocco, to bring the world’s most popular motorsport back to the continent.

A Vision for Sports and Economic Growth

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, confirmed that the bid was submitted to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 Management through the UK-based Opus Racing Promotions, Nigeria’s official representative.

“This bid is more than just about hosting a race. It is about showcasing Nigeria’s capacity, creativity, and commitment to developing world-class sporting infrastructure,” Dikko stated.

The proposed project includes the development of a new Grade 1 circuit in Abuja, complete with a karting track, hotels, and a motorsport museum.

Officials say the event would serve as a catalyst for tourism, job creation, infrastructure development, youth engagement, and broader economic growth.

The bid aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of leveraging sports as a driver of national development and economic diversification.

Inviting the World to Abuja

As part of efforts to demonstrate readiness, Nigeria has extended invitations to key Formula 1 figures, including F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, seven-time world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton, and renowned track designers from Tilke Engineers + Architects.

The goal is to facilitate site visits and high-level discussions, with ambitions to potentially host the race from 2028 onwards.

Putting Africa Back on the F1 Map

According to data shared by StatiSense, a total of 35 countries have hosted an official Formula One World Championship Grand Prix since the championship began in 1950.

South Africa remains the only African nation on that list.

Bringing F1 back to the continent would not only excite fans but could also inspire a new generation of engineers, drivers, and motorsport professionals across Africa.

For a country with Nigeria’s passion for sports and its large youth population, the symbolic and practical impact could be significant.

While challenges such as infrastructure, security, and logistics remain real considerations, supporters of the bid see it as a statement of ambition and a chance to put Abuja — and Nigeria — on the global sporting stage in a way few events can match.

The coming months will reveal how Formula 1 responds to Nigeria’s proposal. For now, the dream of hearing the roar of F1 engines echo across Nigerian soil has officially moved from fantasy to formal submission.