Nigeria will stage two major African football events in 2026 after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the country’s bid to host the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly and the CAF Awards ceremony.
The decision came during the ongoing Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, where Tinubu held talks with Patrice Motsepe and senior football officials. The announcement was later confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation.
Nigeria’s growing role in continental football arrives after another strong year for its national teams and players. Victor Osimhen enjoyed an outstanding campaign with Galatasaray, helping the club win another Turkish Super Lig title.
Ademola Lookman also impressed during the season and remained one of Nigeria’s top-performing stars in Europe. Their recent form could place both players among the favourites for the next CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.
The annual gathering brings together presidents of CAF’s 54 member associations, zonal union representatives, and top football administrators across Africa.
According to the federation’s statement:
“The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved Nigeria’s proposed hosting of the 48th Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football, as well as this year’s CAF Awards Ceremony.”
Officials present during the Nairobi meeting included Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, NFF president Ibrahim Gusau, former NFF boss Amaju Pinnick, and CAF Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu.
The CAF Awards will also return to Nigeria for the first time since 2017. The ceremony remains African football’s biggest annual recognition event, celebrating players, coaches, clubs, and administrators.
Last year’s edition in Morocco saw Achraf Hakimi win the Men’s Player of the Year prize ahead of Osimhen, while Ghizlane Chebbak claimed the women’s award.
Moroccan midfielder Brahim Diaz is also expected to challenge strongly again after starring for club and country and winning Player of the Tournament honours at the last AFCON.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s women’s national team could influence several award categories later this year. The Nigeria women’s national football team will target another successful WAFCON campaign after their dramatic final victory over Morocco in the previous edition.
Nigeria’s hosting rights strengthen its football reputation across Africa. Fans also expect local stars to challenge strongly for major honours. The CAF Awards could deliver another memorable moment for Nigerian football.
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