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Nigeria’s preparations to host two major events on the African football calendar will come under fresh scrutiny as a 15-member delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) begins a final assessment of facilities in Lagos and Abuja.
The inspection is aimed at determining the readiness of venues, accommodation and other essential infrastructure ahead of the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly and the 2026 CAF Awards scheduled to take place in the country.
The delegation, led by CAF Head of Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa, is expected to begin its assessment in Lagos before proceeding to Abuja. The team will examine the arrangements put in place by relevant authorities and engage with officials responsible for delivering the events.
In Lagos, the inspection will cover the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Eko Hotel and Suites, and Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The delegation will also meet with representatives of the Lagos State Government as part of efforts to evaluate preparations across the city.
The team will subsequently visit Abuja to assess the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, which will host the CAF General Assembly, alongside Transcorp Hilton Hotel and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. Meetings with the leadership of the National Sports Commission are also scheduled.
The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly is billed for November 21, 2026, in Abuja, while Lagos will host the 2026 CAF Awards on December 7. The two events are expected to bring together football administrators and other stakeholders from across Africa.
The latest exercise follows an earlier inspection conducted between July 31 and August 4, when CAF officials met with representatives of institutions and agencies involved in the hosting arrangements. Discussions during that visit centred on coordination and establishing effective communication among stakeholders.
A six-member delegation of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), led by Dr Ademola Olajire, will accompany the CAF inspectors during the exercise.
The final assessment represents another important stage in Nigeria’s preparations, with attention focused on ensuring that the selected venues and supporting facilities are ready to accommodate the continental football governing body’s activities.
