CAF Delegation Begins Final Inspection of Abuja and Lagos Venues for Nigeria 2026 Events

Posted : 16 October 2026

Nigeria has begun the final stage of preparations to host two major events on the African football calendar, with a 15-member delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) scheduled to arrive on Friday, October 16, for a second and final inspection of facilities in Abuja and Lagos. The visit will assess the readiness of venues, hotels, airports and other infrastructure required for the events.

The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly will take place at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja on Saturday, November 21. The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled for Monday, December 7, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos.

The delegation will be led by CAF Head of Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa. The officials are expected to arrive in Lagos on Friday afternoon before beginning their inspection programme and meeting with stakeholders involved in organising the events.

In Lagos, the team will inspect the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Eko Hotel & Suites and Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Discussions with Lagos State Government officials will also focus on the arrangements required to deliver a successful awards ceremony.

The delegation will subsequently assess facilities in Abuja, including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Transcorp Hilton Hotel and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. Courtesy visits to the chairman and director-general of the National Sports Commission are also scheduled as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation with Nigerian sports authorities.

The inspection follows an earlier visit conducted by CAF officials between July 31 and August 4. During that exercise, the delegation met representatives of government agencies and institutions expected to support the hosting of the two events in both cities.

Those discussions focused on improving communication, clarifying responsibilities and coordinating the work of the organisations involved. The final visit will provide an opportunity to review progress since the initial inspection and identify any outstanding requirements before the events take place.

A six-member Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) delegation, led by Dr Ademola Olajire, will accompany the CAF officials during the inspections. The team will help coordinate engagements between CAF representatives, government agencies and the institutions responsible for providing facilities and other essential services.

The CAF Ordinary General Assembly brings together representatives of the continental governing body's member associations to discuss football administration and key organisational matters. The CAF Awards, meanwhile, recognise outstanding performances and achievements by players, coaches and other contributors to African football.

Hosting both events will place Nigeria at the center of continental football administration and celebration later this year. The outcome of the final inspection will be an important step in assessing the country's readiness to welcome delegates and guests from across Africa.

CAF Delegation Begins Final Inspection of Abuja and Lagos Venues for Nigeria 2026 Events

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