NSC, NFF Intensify Preparations For 2026 CAF Awards In Lagos
The National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have intensified preparations for the hosting of the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards in Lagos, as Nigeria gets ready to welcome some of the biggest names in African football.
The two sporting bodies are working closely with CAF and relevant government agencies to ensure a successful and memorable ceremony that will showcase Nigeria’s ability to organise major international sporting events.
According to a statement from the National Sports Commission, preparations are ongoing across several important areas, including venue readiness, security, accommodation, transportation, logistics and hospitality.
The event is expected to attract prominent African footballers, coaches, club representatives, football administrators and other influential personalities from across the continent.
The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, December 2, 2026, at the Professor Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Arts, formerly known as the National Theatre, in Lagos.
The ceremony will begin at 7:00 pm Nigerian time and marks the return of the prestigious awards to Lagos for the first time since 2014.
The awards will recognise outstanding achievements in African football across 18 categories, including the CAF Men’s Player of the Year and CAF Women’s Player of the Year awards.
Other categories will celebrate the achievements of coaches, goalkeepers, emerging talents, clubs and national teams that have made significant contributions to the development of football on the continent.
As part of efforts to ensure that everything meets the required international standards, a 15-member CAF inspection delegation, led by the organisation’s Head of Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa, has visited Nigeria to assess facilities and operational arrangements.
The inspection involved engagements with relevant stakeholders and assessments of important facilities in Lagos and Abuja.
In Lagos, attention has been focused on the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Arts, Eko Hotel & Suites and Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The National Sports Commission, under the leadership of its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing the necessary support for the successful hosting of the continental event.
The NFF has equally pledged its cooperation, personnel and institutional support to ensure effective coordination with CAF throughout the preparations.
Beyond hosting a prestigious football ceremony, Nigeria sees the 2026 CAF Awards as an opportunity to showcase its cultural heritage, hospitality and organisational capabilities to an international audience.
The event is also expected to strengthen Nigeria’s relationship with CAF and create opportunities for increased investment, tourism and international recognition.
With preparations gathering momentum, the NSC and NFF are determined to ensure that Lagos delivers an event that meets international expectations and leaves a positive impression on visitors.
The 2026 CAF Awards will provide another opportunity for Nigeria to celebrate African football while demonstrating its readiness to play a significant role in the organisation and development of the sport across the continent.
