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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assured the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of the state government’s readiness to host the 2026 CAF Awards scheduled for December 7.
Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance after meeting a CAF delegation led by the organisation’s Head of Safety and Security, Christian Emeruwa, who is also the project lead for the awards ceremony and the CAF Ordinary General Assembly.
The governor said Lagos was committed to delivering a successful event, with priority attention to security, logistics, branding and access to the venue.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Sanwo-Olu said the state was pleased to host the continent’s annual football awards and was determined to make the occasion memorable for participants and visitors.
He added that the ceremony would provide an opportunity to showcase Lagos’ culture, business environment and hospitality to guests from across Africa and other parts of the world.
The CAF Awards bring together leading African footballers, coaches, teams and administrators to recognise outstanding achievements in the sport over the course of the year.
Preparations for the event are expected to involve close collaboration between the Lagos State Government, CAF, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and other relevant agencies.
CAF delegation inspects facilities
The meeting comes as CAF officials assess facilities in Lagos and Abuja ahead of two major events on the continental football calendar.
According to the inspection schedule announced by the NFF, a 15-member CAF delegation is visiting facilities in both cities to evaluate their suitability for the awards ceremony and the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly.
In Lagos, the inspection programme includes the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Eko Hotel and Suites, and Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The delegation is also scheduled to inspect the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Transcorp Hilton Hotel and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The CAF Ordinary General Assembly is scheduled to hold on November 21 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, while the awards ceremony will take place in Lagos on December 7.
The latest inspection follows an earlier visit by CAF officials between July 31 and August 4, during which representatives of relevant institutions and agencies discussed coordination and other arrangements for the events.
A six-member NFF team led by the federation’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, is also expected to accompany the CAF delegation during the inspections.
Security, logistics top priorities
Sanwo-Olu said the state was paying particular attention to the arrangements required to ensure a smooth experience for guests attending the ceremony.
Security, transportation, accommodation, branding and convenient access to the venue are among the major considerations as preparations continue.
The event is expected to attract football administrators, players, coaches and other prominent personalities from across Africa, placing Lagos before an international audience.
The governor expressed confidence in the state’s capacity to host the ceremony and provide visitors with an opportunity to experience its cultural and commercial attractions.
Successful delivery of the event will require coordination among the state government, CAF, the NFF and other agencies responsible for security, transportation and hospitality services.
Nigeria’s strong history at CAF Awards
The 2026 edition will also offer an opportunity to celebrate Nigeria’s contributions to African football, with the country having produced several winners in the prestigious Player of the Year categories.
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen won the men’s African Player of the Year award in 2023, before compatriot Ademola Lookman claimed the honour in 2024.
Their achievements continued a tradition established by former Nigerian internationals Nwankwo Kanu, who won the award in 1996 and 1999, and Victor Ikpeba, who emerged winner in 1997.
Nigeria also recorded notable successes in the women’s categories at the 2024 ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco. The Super Falcons were named Women’s National Team of the Year, while goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie won the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.
At the 2025 edition in Rabat, Morocco, Achraf Hakimi won the men’s Player of the Year award, while Ghizlane Chebbak claimed the women’s honour. Nnadozie retained the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.
The forthcoming ceremony is expected to bring together leading figures in African football to celebrate individual excellence and team achievements.
For Lagos, hosting the awards represents an opportunity to strengthen its profile as a destination for major international sporting and cultural events while showcasing Nigeria’s place in African football.
Sanwo-Olu said the state looked forward to welcoming CAF officials and other guests, expressing the government’s commitment to ensuring a memorable event on December 7.
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