Nigeria Steps Up Preparations As CAF Officials Begin Final Inspection Of Lagos, Abuja Venues

A 15-member delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is expected to arrive in Nigeria on Friday, October 16, for a final inspection of facilities ahead of the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly and the 2026 CAF Awards.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the delegation will be led by CAF Head of Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa, and will assess venues and other arrangements in Lagos and Abuja to ensure they meet the requirements for hosting the two major continental events.

In Lagos, the officials are scheduled to inspect the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Eko Hotel and Suites, and Murtala Muhammed International Airport. They will also hold a meeting with representatives of the Lagos State Government.

The delegation will then proceed to Abuja, where it will inspect the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. The officials are also expected to pay courtesy visits to the Chairman and Director-General of the National Sports Commission.

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

The visit follows an earlier inspection conducted between July 31 and August 4, during which preliminary operational agreements were established.

The final assessment is expected to focus on the readiness of venues, security arrangements and logistics to ensure the successful hosting of both events.

The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly is scheduled to hold at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja on Saturday, November 21, 2026, while the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is slated for Monday, December 7, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos.