The inspection is intended to assess preparations at event venues, hotels and airports as Nigeria steps up efforts to host the two major gatherings on the African football calendar.

The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. The 2026 CAF Awards will follow on Monday, December 7, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos.

CAF confirmed the dates in October, with Nigeria set to host both events as part of its growing involvement in continental football administration and celebrations.

The delegation will be led by CAF Head of Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa, and is expected to arrive in Lagos on Friday afternoon for inspections and meetings with stakeholders involved in organising the events.

In Lagos, the team will assess the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Eko Hotel & Suites and Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Discussions are also planned with officials of the Lagos State Government.

The delegation will subsequently visit Abuja to inspect the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Transcorp Hilton Hotel and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The team is also expected to pay courtesy visits to the chairman and director-general of the National Sports Commission.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will coordinate the exercise, with a six-member delegation led by its Director of Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire, accompanying the CAF officials in both cities.

Final Assessment Builds on Earlier Inspection

The forthcoming visit follows an initial inspection conducted between July 31 and August 4, 2026, when CAF officials assessed proposed venues and supporting facilities in Lagos and Abuja.

During that earlier exercise, the delegation met representatives of institutions and agencies expected to contribute to the organisation of the events. The discussions focused on coordination, communication and agreements intended to ensure that preparations progress smoothly.

The second inspection will give CAF another opportunity to evaluate the arrangements for accommodation, airport services, venue operations and security before the events take place.

The inspections are particularly important because both gatherings will attract football administrators, national association representatives, officials and other guests from across Africa and beyond.

Nigeria Prepares for Two Major CAF Events

The Ordinary General Assembly is a key meeting of CAF’s member associations, providing a platform for decisions concerning the administration and development of African football.

The CAF Awards, meanwhile, recognise outstanding performances and contributions by players, coaches, teams and other figures in the game. The annual ceremony draws attention to achievements across African football and brings together leading stakeholders from the sport.

CAF’s confirmation of Lagos as the host city for the 2026 awards and Abuja for the November assembly places Nigeria at the centre of two important continental football events within a short period.

The final inspection will help determine whether the proposed venues and supporting arrangements meet the requirements for hosting the gatherings. The NFF and relevant government institutions will continue working with CAF as preparations move towards the November and December dates.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia