Nigeria wins hosting rights for CAF events

Nigeria will host the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly and the CAF Awards ceremony in 2026 after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the country’s bid.

The announcement was confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation following meetings held during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe and senior African football officials were part of discussions that led to the approval of Nigeria’s hosting rights.

According to a statement released by the federation: “The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved Nigeria’s proposed hosting of the 48th Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football, as well as this year’s CAF Awards Ceremony.”

 

CAF Awards return to Nigeria

The CAF Awards ceremony will return to Nigeria for the first time since 2017. The annual event recognises the continent’s best players, coaches, clubs and football administrators.

The CAF General Assembly also serves as one of African football’s most important meetings, bringing together delegates from CAF’s 54 member associations and zonal unions.

Among Nigerian officials present during the Nairobi meetings were Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, NFF president Ibrahim Gusau and former federation boss Amaju Pinnick.

Osimhen, Lookman eye major honours

Nigeria’s successful bid comes amid another strong period for several of the country’s top football stars.

Victor Osimhen enjoyed an impressive season with Galatasaray, helping the club secure the Turkish league title, while Ademola Lookman continued his fine form in Europe.

Both players are expected to challenge for the next CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.

Meanwhile, Nigeria women’s national football team could also feature prominently in several award categories following recent international performances, including their WAFCON success against Morocco women.