CAF General Assembly, Awards: Nigeria Mobilises Agencies for Successful Hosting

Posted : 21 October 2026

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has assured the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of Nigeria’s readiness to host the continental body’s 48th Ordinary General Assembly in Abuja and the 2026 CAF Awards in Lagos.

NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko gave the assurance during a meeting with a CAF delegation inspecting facilities and assessing preparations for the two high-profile events.

The delegation had earlier inspected facilities and engaged relevant government agencies, institutions, and stakeholders in Lagos before proceeding to Abuja to evaluate arrangements for the General Assembly.

Dikko said the Federal Government was committed to delivering successful events that would demonstrate Nigeria’s organisational capacity and strengthen its standing in African football administration.

He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the hosting initiative after receiving a briefing from CAF leadership on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya about five months ago.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the government of our country are very, very committed to hosting bespoke events that will underscore the capacity of our people in organisation and management of high-profile events.

“We will work together as one team to make sure this is delivered to the best that it could,” Dikko said.

The NSC chairman acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, towards preparations for the General Assembly in Abuja.

He explained that Abuja and Lagos would perform complementary roles, with the nation’s capital hosting the CAF General Assembly while Lagos stages the awards ceremony celebrating outstanding achievements in African football.

Dikko described Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial centre, noting its experience in organising major international sporting and cultural events.

He added that the NSC was collaborating with relevant government agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, to facilitate efficient entry and exit procedures for international delegates and minimise potential delays.

According to him, the hosting arrangements extend beyond the immediate events, offering Nigeria an opportunity to demonstrate its capacity to organise major international gatherings while strengthening cooperation among sports institutions and government agencies.

Dikko also highlighted plans to improve sporting infrastructure nationwide, disclosing that the NSC was considering an initial investment through a proposed Sports Infrastructure Development Bond to support facility upgrades.

He expressed confidence that cooperation among the Federal Government, NSC, Lagos State Government, FCT administration, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and CAF would guarantee the successful delivery of the events.

Earlier, Acting NFF General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme assured the CAF delegation that the federation would deploy its personnel and resources to support the continental body.

Ikpeme said the NFF was prepared to work closely with CAF to ensure a successful General Assembly in Abuja and a memorable awards ceremony in Lagos.

The two events are expected to provide Nigeria with an opportunity to showcase its organisational capacity, strengthen its relationship with African football authorities, and reinforce its commitment to the development of the game across the continent.

CAF General Assembly, Awards: Nigeria Mobilises Agencies for Successful Hosting

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