Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed the state’s readiness to host the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards following an inspection visit by a CAF delegation to facilities designated for the prestigious event.
The inspection team visited the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, popularly known as the National Theatre, which has been proposed as the venue for the annual awards ceremony celebrating excellence in African football.
The five-member delegation was led by CAF’s Head of Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa, and included officials responsible for technology, transportation, branding, accommodation and logistics.
The team was received by officials of the Lagos State Sports Commission led by its Director-General, Lekan Fatodu, who guided the visitors through the facility and provided updates on ongoing preparations.
Speaking after the inspection, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in Lagos’ capacity to host an event of continental significance.
According to him, preparations are being intensified to ensure that all logistical, security and operational requirements meet international standards.
“We guided them through the venue and gathered their feedback. Hosting an event of this scale means every single detail counts and our team is working hard behind the scenes to make sure we get it right,” the governor stated.
He added that Lagos is committed to delivering a memorable experience for participants, football stakeholders and visitors expected from across Africa.
The CAF Awards remain one of the continent’s most prestigious football events, recognising outstanding players, coaches, clubs and administrators for their achievements over the year.
Nigeria has previously hosted the awards ceremony on four occasions, with Lagos hosting the last edition held in the country in January 2015.
In addition to the awards ceremony, Nigeria is also scheduled to host CAF’s 48th Ordinary General Assembly. While Abuja will host the congress in November, Lagos will stage the awards event.
The CAF delegation had earlier inspected facilities in Abuja, including the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre and the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.
The inspection tour forms part of CAF’s assessment process aimed at ensuring that host facilities meet the requirements for the successful staging of both events.
