By Our Correspondent
National News – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved Nigeria’s bid to host the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards.
The approval also covers the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly.
The decision followed a high-level meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, during the Africa Forward Summit. CAF President Patrice Motsepe was part of the discussions.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the development in an official statement.
The approval came after consultations involving top football and government officials.
Those present included Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, NFF president Ibrahim Gusau, former NFF president Amaju Pinnick, and CAF acting general secretary Samson Adamu.
The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly is scheduled for October 2026. It will bring together presidents of CAF’s 54 member associations and zonal unions.
The gathering will also include senior football administrators from across Africa. Key issues around governance and football development are expected to be discussed.
The CAF Awards ceremony will also take place in Nigeria in 2026. The event is CAF’s flagship football awards night celebrating top African players and teams.
Nigeria last hosted the CAF Awards in 2015 in Lagos. That edition featured major highlights across men’s and women’s football categories.
In that ceremony, Ivory Coast’s Yaya Touré won his fourth consecutive African Player of the Year award. Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala also began her dominance in women’s football awards.
Nigeria’s new hosting rights are expected to boost sports tourism. The country is also expected to benefit from international exposure and economic activity.
Officials say top venues in Lagos and Abuja may be used. Security and hospitality arrangements are expected to support the events.
The CAF Awards recognise outstanding performances across African football annually. Winners are selected from men’s, women’s, and coaching categories.
Nigeria’s approval strengthens its role in continental football administration. It also reinforces its position as a key destination for major sporting events.
The CAF Assembly and Awards are expected to attract global attention. Football stakeholders across Africa will gather in Nigeria for the landmark events.
