Nigeria’s preparations to host two major African football events will undergo a final assessment as a 15-member delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) arrives in the country on Friday.
The inspection will focus on facilities and logistical arrangements for the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Abuja and the 2026 CAF Awards in Lagos.
The General Assembly is scheduled for November 21 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, while the awards ceremony will take place on December 7 at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Lagos.
The visit represents the second and final inspection by CAF officials ahead of the two events, which are expected to bring together football administrators, players and other stakeholders from across the continent.
CAF’s Head of Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa, will lead the delegation, which is expected to arrive in Lagos on Friday afternoon.
During the Lagos leg of the visit, the officials will assess arrangements at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Eko Hotel & Suites and Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
They will also hold discussions with representatives of the Lagos State Government and executives of institutions involved in hosting the awards ceremony.
The inspection is expected to provide an opportunity to review preparations concerning venue suitability, accommodation, transportation, security and coordination among participating organisations.
Following their engagements in Lagos, the delegation will proceed to Abuja to evaluate facilities designated for the CAF Ordinary General Assembly.
In the Federal Capital Territory, the team will visit the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Transcorp Hilton Hotel and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The CAF representatives are also scheduled to pay courtesy visits to the Chairman and Director-General of the National Sports Commission.
The latest exercise follows an initial inspection conducted between July 31 and August 4, during which CAF officials met representatives of several government agencies and private institutions in both host cities.
Those discussions established channels for continued communication and cooperation aimed at ensuring the successful organisation of the events.
The parties also agreed on the need for coordinated planning and arrangements capable of delivering efficient and innovative experiences for participants.
A six-member delegation from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), led by Dr Ademola Olajire, will accompany the visiting officials throughout their engagements in Lagos and Abuja.
The 2026 CAF Awards will recognise outstanding achievements in African football, while the Ordinary General Assembly will provide a platform for discussions on the administration and development of the sport across the continent.
The final inspection is expected to help CAF and Nigerian organisers identify any outstanding requirements before the scheduled events.
Its outcome will be an important part of the remaining preparations as Nigeria moves closer to hosting both continental football gatherings.
Ezeana Emmanuel
