Tinubu Approves Nigeria’s Hosting of 2026 CAF Awards, General Assembly
By Matthew Eloyi
President Bola Tinubu has approved Nigeria’s hosting of the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly and the 2026 CAF Awards Ceremony, a move expected to boost the country’s standing in African football administration.
The approval was confirmed on Tuesday in a statement issued by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire.
Olajire said Tinubu made the declaration during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, following meetings with CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, and other senior football officials.
According to him, Nigeria’s selection reflects growing confidence in the country’s ability to successfully host major continental sporting events.
He added that discussions at the summit also centred on football development, infrastructure, and stronger partnerships across African football.
Among those present at the meetings were Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, former NFF President Amaju Pinnick, and CAF Acting Secretary-General Samson Adamu.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly is scheduled for October and is expected to attract key football administrators and stakeholders from across the continent.
Participants will include presidents of CAF’s 54 member associations, representatives of zonal football unions, and other senior officials involved in African football governance.
The assembly is regarded as one of CAF’s most significant annual meetings, where major policy decisions and administrative matters concerning African football are discussed.
Nigeria will also host the 2026 CAF Awards Ceremony under the new arrangement.
The awards ceremony recognises outstanding performances by players, coaches, teams, and administrators across African football and is widely celebrated for its blend of glamour, entertainment, and sporting excellence.
Football stakeholders believe hosting both events will further strengthen Nigeria’s image as a preferred destination for major sporting occasions.
“It is another opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s readiness and commitment to African football,” Olajire said.
