Tinubu approves Nigeria’s bid to host 2026 CAF Awards, General Assembly

Nigeria has secured presidential backing for its bid to host the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards as well as the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s influence in continental sports administration.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave the approval on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, following a high-level engagement with CAF President Patrice Motsepe. The Nigerian delegation at the meeting included Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau, and CAF Special Adviser Amaju Pinnick.

The endorsement positions Nigeria to host two of African football’s most significant events, potentially ending Morocco’s recent run as the preferred host of CAF’s flagship awards ceremony.

According to the NFF, the approval covers both the CAF Awards ceremony scheduled for the final quarter of 2026 and the CAF General Assembly set for October, where representatives from all 54 member associations will gather to take key decisions on African football governance.

In a statement, the federation described the development as a “major milestone” in Nigeria’s bid to reassert itself as a leading destination for continental sporting events, adding that it reflects confidence in the country’s organizational capacity and infrastructure readiness.

The dual hosting rights are expected to deliver a significant boost to Nigeria’s sports economy, particularly in hospitality, tourism, logistics, and media production. Industry analysts anticipate increased international arrivals, expanded hotel occupancy, and heightened commercial activity around host cities in the final quarter of 2026.

While the federal government is yet to announce the specific venue, Lagos and Abuja are considered leading contenders, with major facilities such as the Moshood Abiola National Stadium and Eko Hotel and Suites expected to play key roles if selected.

Nigeria has previously hosted the CAF Awards on multiple occasions, including in 2005, 2013, 2014, and 2015, but the 2026 edition is expected to carry added significance amid renewed government interest in sports diplomacy and private-sector-driven football development.

With preparations now moving into planning phases, the government has reportedly assured CAF of full security and logistical support as part of a sovereign guarantee attached to the bid.