A 15-member delegation of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), led by its Head of Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa, has arrived in Nigeria for a final assessment of facilities and logistics ahead of the country’s hosting of two major continental football events.
The events are the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly, scheduled for November 21, 2026, in Abuja, and the CAF Awards, billed for December 7, 2026, in Lagos.
The inspection is aimed at evaluating Nigeria’s level of preparedness and ensuring that the requirements for successfully hosting both events are met.
Accompanied by a six-member Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) delegation led by its Director of Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire, the CAF team inspected key facilities in Abuja, including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Transcorp Hilton Hotel and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
During a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, the delegation discussed accommodation, transportation, immigration procedures, hospitality and other logistical arrangements.
Dikko reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the successful hosting of the events, saying Nigeria was determined to use the opportunity to showcase its organisational capacity, hospitality and readiness to host major international sporting gatherings.
The inspection is the delegation’s second and final assessment in Nigeria, following an earlier visit to Lagos.
The team is expected to submit a report to CAF management after reviewing the country’s preparations.
Key areas of focus include simplifying visa and entry procedures for delegates, securing landing permits and other necessary documentation, and strengthening cooperation between government agencies and event organisers.
The NSC disclosed that accommodation and transportation arrangements in Abuja had been addressed following interventions by relevant authorities. Plans for a welcome dinner and other hospitality activities are also being coordinated with event partners and government hosts.
Preparations further include establishing a Local Organising Committee (LOC), whose membership will be communicated to CAF to support coordination and engagement between both organisations.
The first preparatory delegation is expected to arrive in Nigeria on November 8, ahead of the General Assembly. The current inspection team is scheduled to conclude its assignment and leave Nigeria on November 23.
The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly will take place on November 21 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, while the CAF Awards will be held in Lagos on December 7.
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Hosting the General Assembly offers Nigeria an opportunity to strengthen its position in African football administration and demonstrate its capacity to deliver major continental events.
The Federal Government, through the NSC and in collaboration with the NFF and other stakeholders, is working towards ensuring that both events meet the required organisational standards.
The successful hosting of the events is expected to raise Nigeria’s profile across Africa, strengthen its engagement with football stakeholders and further showcase its potential as a destination for major international sporting gatherings.
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