CAF sends 15‑man inspection team to Nigeria for final venue checks
The Confederation of African Football has dispatched a 15‑member delegation to Lagos to carry out a final assessment of venues for the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly and the 2026 CAF Awards, with further visits scheduled in Abuja.
By Lawal Ayo, Editor & Founder · Published 16 Oct 2026, 02:45 WAT
CAF delegation arrives in Lagos On 16 October 2026, a 15‑person team from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) landed in Lagos to conduct the last round of inspections before the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly and the 2026 CAF Awards. The delegation is headed by Dr Christian Emeruwa, CAF’s Head of Safety and Security.
Inspection itinerary In Lagos, the team will evaluate the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, the Eko Hotel & Suites and Murtala Muhammed International Airport. It will also meet officials from the Lagos State Government to confirm arrangements for the awards ceremony.
In Abuja, the delegation will visit the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, the Transcorp Hilton Hotel and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. A courtesy visit to the Chairman and Director General of the National Sports Commission is also planned.
Coordination with Nigerian football authorities A six‑man squad from the Nigeria Football Federation, led by Dr Ademola Olajire, will accompany the CAF team to facilitate communication and logistics in both cities.
Background of the events The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly is scheduled for 21 November at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. The CAF Awards, the continent’s largest football awards ceremony, will take place on 7 December at the Wole Soyinka Centre in Lagos.
First inspection round CAF officials carried out an initial inspection between 31 July and 4 August, during which they met with executives from various institutions and agencies involved in hosting the events. The meeting aimed to establish regular communication and agreements to ensure seamless, innovative, and futuristic events.
Purpose of the final inspection According to reports from ThisDay and BusinessDay, the final inspection is intended to verify that all facilities meet CAF’s safety, security and operational standards before the assembly and awards are held.
Expected outcomes The CAF delegation expects to confirm that the venues are ready for the high‑profile gatherings and that all logistical arrangements are in place. Successful completion of the inspection will allow CAF to proceed with the final preparations for the assembly and awards.
Conclusion With the inspection completed, CAF will be positioned to host the 48th Ordinary General Assembly and the 2026 CAF Awards in Nigeria, marking a significant event for African football.
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