Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has confirmed that the state is ready to host the 2026 CAF Awards on 7 December. The governor made this statement after meeting with a CAF team led by Christian Emeruwa, who is in charge of safety and security for the awards and the Ordinary General Assembly.
In a post on Facebook, the governor expressed the state's commitment to ensuring everything goes smoothly. He highlighted the focus on security, logistics, branding, and access to the venue. He said, "Lagos is pleased to host the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards this December, and we are committed to making it a memorable experience."
Sanwo-Olu added, "Meeting with the CAF delegation, led by Dr Christian Emeruwa, Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly, I assured them of our full support, with particular attention to security, logistics, branding and venue access."
The governor mentioned that the event will be a chance to show off Lagos' culture, business spirit, and hospitality to visitors from all over Africa and beyond. The awards will gather top African footballers, coaches, clubs, and administrators to celebrate outstanding performances in both men's and women's football.
Inspection of Facilities
This meeting comes as CAF and Nigerian officials get ready for two significant events in African football. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that a 15-member CAF team is currently in Lagos and Abuja to check facilities for the awards and the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly.
The inspection will cover places like the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Eko Hotel & Suites, and Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. In Abuja, they will also look at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The General Assembly is set for 21 November at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. The awards ceremony will follow in Lagos on 7 December. This inspection comes after an earlier visit by CAF officials from 31 July to 4 August, where they met with representatives from different organizations to discuss the events.
A six-member team from the NFF, led by Director of Communications Ademola Olajire, will join the CAF delegation during the inspections. The 2026 awards will give Nigerian football another chance to shine at the continent's annual celebration.
Nigeria has seen many winners in the Player of the Year categories for both men and women. Victor Osimhen won the men's award in 2023, and Ademola Lookman followed in 2024. This continues a legacy started by Nwankwo Kanu, who won in 1996 and 1999, and Victor Ikpeba, who won in 1997.
At the 2024 event in Marrakech, Morocco, Nigeria's Super Falcons were named Women’s National Team of the Year, and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie received the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award. At the 2025 edition in Rabat, Achraf Hakimi and Ghizlane Chebbak won the men's and women's Player of the Year awards, and Nnadozie kept her title as Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
Welcoming Football Leaders
The Lagos ceremony is more than just an awards night. It will showcase the state to an international crowd of football officials, players, and fans. Governor Sanwo-Olu said the state is excited to welcome football leaders and guests. He emphasized Lagos' ability to host major international events.
The preparations will need close cooperation between the state government, CAF, the NFF, and other relevant agencies. They will focus on security, transportation, accommodation, and access to the ceremony venue.
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