Nigeria ready to host CAF General Assembly and 2026 Awards, says Dikko

National Sports Commission chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko says Nigeria is fully prepared to host the 48th Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football in Abuja and the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony in Lagos.

Dikko reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to staging both events successfully during a courtesy visit from a CAF delegation in Abuja on Tuesday.

The delegation is assessing facilities in the capital ahead of the General Assembly, having already inspected venues and met relevant agencies, institutions and stakeholders in Lagos.

Dikko described the two events as important opportunities to demonstrate Nigeria’s organisational ability and contribute to the development of African football. He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the hosting plans after being briefed by CAF’s leadership on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya five months ago.

“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and the government of our country are very, very committed to hosting bespoke events that will underscore the capacity of our people in organisation and management of high-profile events,” Dikko said.

“We will work together as one team to make sure this is delivered to the best that it could be.”

The NSC chairman also recognised the contribution of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to preparations for the General Assembly in Abuja.

Abuja and Lagos to share hosting duties

Abuja will be responsible for the General Assembly proceedings, while Lagos will host the CAF Awards. Dikko said the two cities would perform complementary roles, with Lagos’s position as Nigeria’s commercial hub and its record of staging major international sporting and cultural occasions making it well suited to the awards ceremony.

He added that the NSC was coordinating with government agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, to improve entry and exit arrangements for overseas delegates. The aim, he said, was to limit delays and provide a smooth experience for international visitors.

Dikko also pointed to continuing investment in the country’s sports infrastructure, saying it would soon demonstrate Nigeria’s ability to host major international competitions and games.

He reiterated plans to mobilise an initial proposed investment through a Sports Infrastructure Development Bond, which would support the upgrading of facilities across the country.

The NSC chairman said close cooperation between the Federal Government, the NSC, Lagos State Government, the FCT administration, the Nigeria Football Federation and CAF would be central to delivering both events successfully.

He added that hosting the General Assembly and the awards would strengthen Nigeria’s role in international sports administration and underline its commitment to African football’s development.

Earlier, NFF Acting General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme received the CAF delegation at his office. He assured the visitors that the Nigeria Football Federation would provide its personnel and work closely with CAF to deliver a successful Ordinary General Assembly and a memorable CAF Awards ceremony.