Key Takeaways

• A 15-member Confederation of African Football (CAF) delegation is expected in Nigeria on October 16, 2026, for a final inspection ahead of two major football events.
• The delegation will inspect venues and assess security arrangements and logistics in Lagos and Abuja.
• The inspection will cover facilities including the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Eko Hotel and Suites, and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
• A six-member Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) delegation, led by Dr Ademola Olajire, is expected to accompany the CAF officials.
• The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly is scheduled for November 21, 2026, in Abuja, while the 2026 CAF Awards are scheduled for December 7, 2026, in Lagos.

A final inspection of Nigeria’s preparations for two major African football events is scheduled to take place as a 15-member Confederation of African Football (CAF) delegation visits Lagos and Abuja on Friday, October 16.

Led by Dr Christian Emeruwa, CAF’s Head of Safety and Security, the delegation is expected to assess venues, security arrangements and logistical preparations for the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly and the 2026 CAF Awards.

Facilities in Lagos and Abuja to Be Inspected

The inspection will begin in Lagos, where CAF officials are scheduled to visit the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Eko Hotel and Suites, and Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

The delegation is also expected to meet representatives of the Lagos State Government as part of the visit.

From Lagos, the officials will travel to Abuja to assess the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The programme also includes courtesy visits to the Chairman and Director-General of the National Sports Commission.

NFF Delegation to Accompany CAF Officials

A six-member delegation from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), led by Dr Ademola Olajire, will accompany the CAF representatives throughout the inspection exercise.

The joint inspection is intended to establish whether the designated venues and supporting arrangements meet the requirements for hosting the two continental events.

The assessment will cover facility readiness, security provisions and logistics, with the aim of confirming that the necessary arrangements are in place ahead of the scheduled dates.

Final Assessment Follows Earlier Inspection

The forthcoming visit follows an earlier inspection conducted between July 31 and August 4.

During that visit, baseline operational agreements were established. The latest assessment is expected to focus on confirming the readiness of the facilities and arrangements identified for the two events.

However, the supplied information does not establish whether CAF has already issued a final approval or readiness verdict.

Dates and Venues for the 2026 CAF Events

Nigeria is scheduled to host the two events at venues in Abuja and Lagos in November and December.

The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

The 2026 CAF Awards will follow on Monday, December 7, 2026, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos.

The final inspection is therefore an important stage in preparations for both gatherings, with attention focused on the readiness of the venues, security arrangements and logistics before the events begin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is the CAF delegation visiting Nigeria?

The delegation is expected to conduct a final inspection of facilities, security arrangements and logistics ahead of the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly and the 2026 CAF Awards.

2. When is the CAF delegation expected to arrive in Nigeria?

The 15-member delegation is expected to arrive on Friday, October 16, 2026.

3. Who is leading the CAF delegation?

The delegation is led by Dr Christian Emeruwa, CAF’s Head of Safety and Security.

4. Which cities will the CAF officials visit?

The inspection is scheduled to cover Lagos and Abuja, with visits to designated event venues, hotels and airports.

5. When will the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly take place?

The assembly is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

6. When and where will the 2026 CAF Awards take place?

The 2026 CAF Awards are scheduled for Monday, December 7, 2026, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos.

7. Will the inspection automatically mean Nigeria has received final approval?

Not necessarily. The inspection is intended to assess readiness. The information provided does not confirm that CAF has issued final approval following the assessment.