Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assured the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of the state government’s full support as preparations continue for the 2026 CAF Awards scheduled for December 7.
Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Sunday, October 18, while receiving a CAF delegation led by Dr Christian Emeruwa, project lead for the CAF Awards and CAF Ordinary General Assembly, at Lagos House, Marina.
Sports247 reports that the meeting focused on key arrangements for the ceremony, including security, logistics, branding and access to the proposed venue, as Lagos prepares to welcome football administrators, players, coaches and other distinguished guests from across Africa and beyond.
The governor said the state was committed to delivering a successful event and using the occasion to showcase Lagos’ cultural heritage, hospitality and capacity to host major international gatherings.
The engagement comes as Nigeria intensifies preparations for two important events on the African football calendar.
While Lagos will host the CAF Awards on December 7, Abuja is scheduled to host the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly on November 21 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.
A CAF delegation is assessing proposed venues and supporting facilities in both cities. In Lagos, the inspection programme includes the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Eko Hotel and Suites, and Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), National Sports Commission (NSC), Lagos State Government and other relevant agencies are working with CAF to coordinate preparations for the events.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved Nigeria’s hosting of the two events in May 2026, following a meeting with CAF President Patrice Motsepe on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya.
The CAF Awards recognize outstanding achievements in African football, bringing together leading players, coaches, teams and administrators for the annual ceremony.
For Lagos, the event represents an opportunity to welcome the continent’s football community while demonstrating its ability to organize a major international occasion.
With the December date approaching, attention will increasingly turn to security arrangements, venue readiness, transportation and hospitality as the state works towards delivering the experience promised to CAF.
 of the state government’s full support){kind=link}