Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has confirmed the Lagos State government’s full backing for the 2026 CAF Awards, highlighting security, logistics, branding, and venue access as priority areas for a successful hosting.
The governor gave the assurance in a post on his official X account after meeting with a CAF delegation led by Dr Christian Emeruwa, Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos was committed to ensuring that the ceremony provides a memorable experience for football officials, stakeholders and visitors expected from across Africa and beyond.
“Lagos is pleased to host the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards this December and we are committed to making it a memorable experience,” the governor said.
He added that he had assured the delegation of the state’s full support, particularly in areas considered essential to hosting an event of the scale of the continental football awards.
“Meeting with the CAF delegation, led by Dr Christian Emeruwa, Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly, I assured them of our full support, with particular attention to security, logistics, branding and venue access,” he said.
The governor described Lagos as “a city of talent, culture, enterprise and youthful energy,” expressing confidence that the event would provide an opportunity to showcase the state’s hospitality and capacity to host major international gatherings.
“We look forward to welcoming football leaders, stakeholders and visitors from across Africa and beyond, while showcasing our hospitality and ability to host major international events,” he added.
The 2026 CAF Awards are scheduled to hold on December 7 at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Theatre, in Iganmu, Lagos.
The ceremony will recognise outstanding performers in African football, including players and other personalities who have distinguished themselves in the sport.
Nigeria is also scheduled to host the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Abuja on November 21, 2026, as part of the two major events awarded to the country.
Lagos last hosted the CAF Awards in January 2015, when the ceremony honoured performances from the 2014 football season. The return of the event to the city more than a decade later is expected to bring football officials and other stakeholders from across the continent to Nigeria.
What You Should Know
Lagos State is gearing up to host the prestigious 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards this December at the newly renamed Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Iganmu. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has met with officials to ensure that security, logistics, and venue access are fully prioritized for the continental event.
- Positive Impact: Hosting the event brings international prestige, boosts the local hospitality and tourism sectors, and showcases Lagos as a vibrant hub for global gatherings.
- Potential Concerns: Major international events of this scale often trigger localized traffic congestion and temporary logistical disruptions around the venue area.
