Lagos is taking another major step onto the continental football stage as preparations gather pace for the 2026 CAF Awards, one of African football’s most prestigious annual events. With the Confederation of African Football (CAF) concluding its inspection of facilities in Nigeria, confidence is growing that the state is ready to host players, coaches, administrators and football legends from across the continent later this year.
The awards ceremony, expected to take place in December, will return to Nigeria for the first time since 2015, reinforcing the country’s long-standing role in African football.
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CAF Inspection Team Reviews Key Facilities
A five-member CAF delegation recently completed an inspection of venues and supporting infrastructure in both Lagos and Abuja ahead of two major football events scheduled for 2026.
In Lagos, the delegation toured the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly the National Theatre, which has been proposed as the venue for the CAF Awards. The team also inspected the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Eko Hotel and Suites, assessing facilities that will support visiting delegates, players and guests.
The inspection team, led by CAF Head of Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa, included specialists responsible for commercial operations, travel and accommodation, transportation and technology.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the state is committed to delivering a successful event, noting that preparations are focused on ensuring every aspect of the ceremony meets international standards.
Nigeria to Host Two Major CAF Events
Beyond the awards ceremony, Nigeria will also host the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Abuja later this year.
CAF officials inspected the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the Transcorp Hilton Hotel and the Bola Tinubu International Conference Centre, which has been proposed as the venue for the General Assembly.
Hosting both events within the same period places Nigeria at the centre of African football administration and celebration, bringing together football executives, federation representatives and key stakeholders from across the continent.
The dual hosting rights also highlight growing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to organise major international sporting events.
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More Than an Awards Ceremony
The CAF Awards celebrate the finest achievements in African football across club and international competitions. The ceremony is expected to honour outstanding men’s and women’s players, coaches, goalkeepers, young talents, clubs and national teams, with the African Player of the Year award remaining the headline attraction.
For Lagos, the event presents an opportunity to showcase its hospitality, cultural attractions and event-hosting capacity to a global audience. It is also expected to generate economic activity across the tourism, hospitality and transportation sectors while strengthening Nigeria’s position as a destination for major sporting events.
With inspections now complete and preparations continuing, attention will soon shift to CAF’s announcement of the official ceremony date and the shortlist of nominees who will compete for African football’s biggest individual honours.
Stay with RefinedNG for the latest updates on the 2026 CAF Awards, African football news and the stories shaping sports across the continent.