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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspection team has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations to host the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Abuja and the CAF Awards ceremony in Lagos.
The General Assembly is scheduled to hold on November 21, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, while the CAF Awards ceremony will take place in Lagos on December 7.
A 15-member CAF delegation, led by the organisation’s Head of Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa, is in Nigeria for a final assessment of facilities and logistics ahead of the two major continental football events.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) disclosed this in a press release issued on Wednesday and signed by its Head of Press and Public Relations, Zira Zakka Nagga.
The inspection is aimed at assessing Nigeria’s level of preparedness and ensuring that all necessary requirements for the successful hosting of the events are met.
The visit is also expected to enable CAF to evaluate arrangements for the movement, accommodation and security of delegates, as well as the coordination of activities involving government agencies and event organisers.
Delegation inspects key facilities
The CAF delegation, accompanied by a six-member Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) team led by its Director of Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire, inspected major facilities in Abuja as part of the final assessment.
The facilities visited included the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, which will host the General Assembly, Transcorp Hilton Hotel and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The inspection of the facilities forms part of efforts to ensure that the venues and supporting infrastructure meet CAF’s requirements for hosting high-level football administration meetings and related activities.
The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, where discussions focused on operational arrangements for the events.
Key issues considered during the meeting included accommodation, transportation, immigration procedures, hospitality and other logistical requirements necessary for the smooth movement and reception of participants.
Dikko reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing the necessary support to ensure the successful hosting of the two events.
He said Nigeria was determined to use the opportunity to demonstrate its organisational capacity, hospitality and readiness to host major international sporting gatherings.
The NSC chairman also emphasised the importance of collaboration among the relevant authorities and stakeholders in delivering events that would meet the expectations of CAF and participating delegates.
Visa, accommodation arrangements underway
The commission said preparations were ongoing in several areas, including the streamlining of visa and entry procedures for delegates, securing landing permits and obtaining other relevant documentation.
It also identified effective collaboration among government agencies, the NFF and event organisers as essential to ensuring that the activities proceed without unnecessary logistical difficulties.
According to the NSC, accommodation and transportation arrangements in Abuja have been addressed following interventions by the relevant authorities.
Plans for a welcome dinner and other hospitality activities are also being coordinated with event partners and government hosts as part of the arrangements for receiving CAF officials and other participants.
The commission said the preparations were designed to ensure that delegates could move efficiently between designated locations and participate in the scheduled activities.
The constitution of a Local Organising Committee (LOC) is another component of the preparations. The committee’s composition will be communicated to CAF to facilitate engagement between both parties and strengthen coordination ahead of the events.
The involvement of the committee is expected to provide a framework for coordinating the responsibilities of the different stakeholders involved in the planning and delivery of the programmes.
Final assessment follows Lagos visit
The NSC disclosed that the current inspection exercise was CAF’s second and final assessment visit to Nigeria, following an earlier visit to Lagos.
The two visits are intended to provide CAF with a comprehensive picture of the country’s preparedness, including the facilities, accommodation, transportation and other arrangements required for the events.
At the conclusion of the exercise, the delegation is expected to submit its report to CAF management for consideration.
The inspection is an important stage in the preparations, as it allows the continental football governing body to assess arrangements and identify any outstanding requirements before the arrival of delegates.
The current inspection team is expected to conclude its assignment and depart Nigeria on November 23, two days after the General Assembly.
Meanwhile, the first preparatory delegation is expected to arrive in Nigeria on November 8 to begin preliminary activities ahead of the November 21 meeting.
Nigeria seeks to strengthen position in African football
The hosting of the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly and the CAF Awards represents an opportunity for Nigeria to reinforce its position in African football administration and showcase its capacity to organise major continental events.
The General Assembly will bring together football administrators and other relevant stakeholders to participate in the activities of the continental governing body, while the CAF Awards will recognise outstanding achievements in African football.
By hosting the events in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria is expected to receive football officials and other participants from across the continent, providing an opportunity to showcase the country’s hospitality and organisational capabilities.
The Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission, is working with the NFF and other stakeholders to ensure that the events meet the required organisational standards.
The commission said Nigeria remained committed to delivering successful programmes that would enhance the country’s visibility, deepen engagement with African football stakeholders and strengthen its reputation as a destination for major international sporting events.
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