President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for Nigeria to host two major events for the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the country will host the annual CAF Awards and the Confederation’s 48th Ordinary General Assembly.
The general assembly is set for October 2026. However, the specific date for the glamorous CAF Awards has not yet been made public by the organisers.
Previously, the 47th Ordinary General Assembly took place in Kinshasa, DR Congo. Meanwhile, the 2025 CAF Awards were held in Rabat, Morocco.
President Tinubu made this announcement while attending the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. He shared the news after a meeting with CAF President Patrice Motsepe.
Several high-ranking officials attended this meeting. These included Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the Foreign Affairs Minister, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
African Football Legends Set for Nigerian Return
Also present were CAF Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu and Amaju Pinnick. Mr. Pinnick serves as a Special Adviser to the CAF President and is a former NFF boss.
The Ordinary General Assembly is a significant gathering. It brings together the heads of all 54 Member Associations that make up the governing body of African football.
Representatives from the six zonal unions will also join senior football officials. They will discuss the future of the game and policy changes across the continent.
Meanwhile, the CAF Awards is a night of celebration. The event features current stars and legendary figures who have made a global impact on the sport.
The annual showpiece celebrates the best performers in an atmosphere of glitz and glamour. Nigeria last hosted this prestigious ceremony nine years ago, back in 2017.
Furthermore, it has been a long time since the General Assembly visited Nigeria. The country last hosted this specific gathering 22 years ago in 2004.
By bringing these events home, Nigeria wants to show its readiness for major sports tourism. It also reinforces the nation’s position as a powerhouse in African sports.
Honestly I have no interest in football but I think this is a new milestone unlocked, even with the insecurities and life threatening activities that continue to prevail, they still approved it, so congratulations to Nigeria and a win to President Tinubu.