Nigeria assures CAF it is ready to host Abuja assembly and Lagos awards
- Shehu Dikko says the government is committed to hosting CAF's 48th General Assembly in Abuja and the 2026 CAF Awards in Lagos.
- A CAF delegation has been inspecting facilities in both cities ahead of the events.
- Dikko says customs and other agencies will be eased to speed up entry for visiting delegates.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has told the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that Nigeria is ready to host two of the continent's biggest football gatherings: the 48th Ordinary General Assembly in Abuja and the 2026 CAF Awards in Lagos.
NSC chairman Shehu Dikko gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by a CAF delegation that is inspecting facilities in Abuja ahead of the assembly, according to the commission. The team had already inspected facilities and met agencies and stakeholders in Lagos.
Dikko said President Bola Tinubu approved the hosting after CAF leaders briefed him on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya about five months ago.
"We will work together as one team to make sure this is delivered to the best that it could be," Dikko said.
He thanked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for supporting plans for the Abuja assembly.
Two cities, two jobs
Abuja will host the General Assembly, where African football leaders meet to take decisions on the running of the game. Lagos will stage the CAF Awards, the continent's annual night of honours for its best players, coaches and teams.
Dikko described Lagos as Nigeria's commercial hub with a track record of hosting big international sporting and cultural events.
For ordinary Nigerians, the pitch is simple: visitors will fly in, sleep in hotels, eat in restaurants and move around the two cities. That means business for traders, transport operators and hospitality workers, and a chance to show the country can stage major events without hitches.
Dikko said the NSC is working with agencies including the Nigeria Customs Service to make entry and exit smooth for international guests and cut delays at the airports.
He also repeated plans to raise an initial sum through a Sports Infrastructure Development Bond to upgrade facilities across the country, saying the investment will soon show Nigeria is ready for bigger international competitions.
Earlier, the acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, received the delegation in his office and promised that the NFF will release its staff to work with CAF for a successful assembly and a memorable awards night.
What happens next
Nigeria's promise now rests on delivery: smooth airports, ready venues and a warm welcome for delegates in Abuja and Lagos.
