President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially approved Nigeria’s bid to host the prestigious 2026 CAF Awards and the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly.
The announcement was confirmed in a statement released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Tuesday. The approval follows a high-level meeting between President Tinubu and the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr. Patrice Motsepe, during the Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya.
Nigeria’s Return to the Continental Stage
The 2026 CAF Awards will mark a significant return for Nigeria as a host of African football’s most glamorous night. Nigeria has a storied history with the event, having last hosted it in 2015 in Lagos.
According to NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, the President’s approval underscores Nigeria’s commitment to sports development and its readiness to welcome the continent’s football elite.
Key Details of the CAF 48th Ordinary General Assembly
In addition to the awards ceremony, Nigeria will play host to the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in October. This assembly is the highest decision-making body in African football, bringing together:
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Presidents of CAF’s 54 member associations.
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Representatives from the six zonal football unions.
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Senior football administrators and global stakeholders.
The meeting in Nairobi included high-ranking officials such as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, and former NFF President Amaju Pinnick, who currently serves as a Special Adviser to the CAF President.
Strengthening African Football Partnerships
The discussions between Tinubu and Motsepe focused on more than just event hosting. The leaders deliberated on football infrastructure development and building stronger administrative partnerships across the continent.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau noted that the move is a major step in restoring Nigeria’s influence in continental football governance. “Nigeria is ready to host again,” Gusau stated, emphasising that the events will provide a massive boost to the country’s sports image and local economy.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The CAF Awards is a flagship event that celebrates the best of African talent, including the African Player of the Year (Men and Women), Coach of the Year, and National Team of the Year. With Nigerian stars like Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala frequently in the spotlight, hosting the event on home soil is expected to be a historic occasion for Nigerian football fans.
