Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed the state’s readiness to host the 2026 CAF Awards, following a high-powered delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspecting the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, popularly known as the National Theatre, the proposed venue for the continent’s premier annual football awards ceremony.
CAF Delegation Conducts Comprehensive Inspection
The five-man CAF delegation arrived in Nigeria last Thursday to assess facilities earmarked for two major continental events: the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly and the CAF Awards. Leading the inspection team is CAF’s Head of Safety and Security, Christian Emeruwa, a former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) presidential aspirant. Other members include Mohammed Bakeer (Technology), Inas Ahmed (Travel and Accommodation), Salah Mostafa (Transport), and Hervé Dassoundo (Branding).
The officials were received at the National Theatre on Monday by representatives of the Lagos State Sports Commission, led by Director-General Lekan Fatodu, as they conducted a comprehensive assessment of the venue and its facilities. The inspection covered critical aspects such as safety protocols, technological infrastructure, and logistical arrangements, ensuring the venue meets CAF’s stringent standards.
Governor Sanwo-Olu Expresses Confidence
Following the inspection, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in Lagos’ ability to deliver a world-class event, insisting preparations were already in full swing. “We guided them through the venue and gathered their feedback. Hosting an event of this scale means every single detail counts, and our team is working hard behind the scenes to make sure we get it right,” Sanwo-Olu wrote on his X account. “Lagos is ready, and we look forward to putting on a brilliant show for African football.”
If confirmed, this will mark another milestone for Lagos, which last hosted the CAF Awards in January 2015. Overall, Nigeria has staged the prestigious ceremony on four previous occasions, underlining its reputation as one of Africa’s leading football hosts.
Event Details and Venue Assignments
While Abuja will host the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly on 21 November 2026, Lagos has been selected to stage the awards ceremony celebrating the continent’s outstanding players, coaches, officials, and football personalities. The delegation’s itinerary included inspections of key facilities in the Federal Capital Territory before arriving in Lagos.
The team visited Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Friday, then assessed the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, designated to host the CAF Congress, and the Transcorp Hilton Hotel on Saturday. These inspections are part of a comprehensive evaluation to ensure the venues meet international standards for hosting high-profile events.
NFF Delegation Accompanies CAF Officials
Accompanying the CAF officials throughout the inspection tour is a five-member NFF delegation comprising Ademola Olajire, director of media and communications; Alizor Chuks, director of marketing; Barnabas Joro, head of security; Emmanuel Ayanbunmi, chief protocol officer; and Tasiu Riskuwa Shehu, head of ICT. This collaborative effort underscores the strong partnership between CAF, the NFF, and the Lagos State Government in ensuring the success of these events.
Presidential Approval and Diplomatic Boost
Nigeria’s bid to host both flagship CAF events received a major boost two months ago when President Bola Tinubu approved the country’s proposal during the Africa Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, following a formal request from CAF President Patrice Motsepe. This high-level endorsement has accelerated preparations and reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to hosting world-class sporting events.
With inspection exercises progressing smoothly and preparations gathering momentum, Lagos appears firmly on course to welcome Africa’s football elite for another memorable edition of the CAF Awards. The successful hosting of such events is expected to enhance Nigeria’s standing in the global football community and boost its tourism and hospitality sectors.
