CAF Delegation Arrives in Nigeria for Facility Inspection
A high-level delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has arrived in Nigeria to conduct a thorough inspection of sporting facilities. This visit comes as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) actively pursues hosting rights for a major continental youth football tournament.
Nigeria's Bid for the African Schools Football Championship
Nigeria has formally expressed interest in hosting the prestigious CAF African Schools Football Championship in 2026. This tournament, specifically designed for Under-15 high school boys and girls across Africa, represents a significant development opportunity for young football talent on the continent.
The competition was originally launched in 2022 under the leadership of CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe and receives substantial financial backing from the CAF President Patrice Motsepe Foundation. With $10 million in seasonal funding, the tournament offers winning teams prize money reaching up to $300,000, making it one of Africa's most lucrative school sports competitions.
Comprehensive Facility Assessment Underway
According to official statements from the NFF, the seven-member CAF delegation is conducting detailed evaluations of potential host venues. The inspection team, which includes prominent CAF officials such as Omar Amr, Fatima Elmissaoui, and WAFU B Executive Director Philippe Tchere, began their assessment on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
The officials are examining multiple aspects of Nigeria's football infrastructure, with particular focus on:
- The Remo Stars stadium and training facilities located in Ikenne
- The FC Ebedei stadium and training facilities situated in Sagamu
- Supporting infrastructure including hotel accommodations and hospital facilities in the surrounding areas
This comprehensive evaluation will determine Nigeria's suitability to host the final phase of the 2026 tournament, which follows regional qualification competitions across the continent.
Tournament Structure and Continental Significance
The African Schools Football Championship operates through a two-phase system. Teams first compete in regional tournaments before advancing to the final championship phase, which is hosted at a selected venue on the African continent. Nigeria's bid to host this final phase represents a strategic move to position the country as a central hub for youth football development in Africa.
Broader Context of CAF Tournament Hosting
This inspection visit occurs against a backdrop of hosting controversies within African football. Recent social media speculation suggested South Africa might replace Morocco as host of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, though South African sports officials have clarified they are merely preparing as a contingency host, not displacing Morocco officially.
Meanwhile, the NFF continues to address other continental football matters, including an ongoing petition to FIFA regarding player eligibility concerns involving DR Congo national team members. The federation has expressed confidence in their case, with a decision expected before the next international football break.
As Nigeria undergoes this crucial facility inspection, the country's football authorities demonstrate their commitment to developing the sport at grassroots levels while strengthening Nigeria's position as a capable host for major continental football events.
