Nigeria ready to host CAF congress, 2026 awards in Abuja, Lagos – Dikko
By Tosin Omojola
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to successfully hosting the 48th Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Abuja and the 2026 CAF Awards in Lagos.
Dikko gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving a CAF delegation inspecting facilities in Abuja ahead of the General Assembly. The delegation had earlier assessed facilities and engaged stakeholders in Lagos.
He described the two events as opportunities to showcase Nigeria’s organisational capacity and strengthen African football, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the initiative after being briefed by CAF 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. We will work together as one team to make sure this is delivered to the best that it could be,” Dikko said.
He commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for supporting preparations in Abuja, adding that the NSC was working with relevant agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, to ensure smooth entry and exit procedures for delegates.
Dikko said Abuja would host the General Assembly, while Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub with experience in staging major international events, would host the CAF Awards.
He also highlighted plans to mobilise funding through a proposed Sports Infrastructure Development Bond to upgrade facilities nationwide and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to host major international competitions.
Dikko expressed confidence that collaboration among the Federal Government, the NSC, the Lagos State Government, the FCT Administration, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and CAF would ensure successful events and reinforce Nigeria’s standing in international sports administration.
Earlier, the NFF Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, assured the delegation that the federation would provide the necessary personnel and support to ensure a successful General Assembly and memorable CAF Awards ceremony.
