The Federal Government has pledged full support for Nigeria’s hosting of the 48th Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football in Abuja and the 2026 CAF Awards in Lagos.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving a CAF delegation inspecting facilities and assessing preparations for the events.
The delegation had inspected facilities and met relevant agencies, institutions and stakeholders in Lagos before proceeding to Abuja for further assessments ahead of the General Assembly.
Dikko said the government was committed to ensuring the events met international standards and showcased Nigeria’s capacity to organise major sporting gatherings.
He said President Bola Tinubu approved the hosting initiative after discussions with CAF leadership on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya about five months ago.
The NSC chairman also acknowledged the support of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in preparations for the assembly in Abuja.
Under the arrangements, Abuja will host the General Assembly, while Lagos will stage the CAF Awards. Dikko said the two cities would play complementary roles, noting Lagos’s experience in hosting major international sporting and cultural events.
He added that the NSC was working with relevant government agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, to simplify entry and exit procedures and minimise delays for international delegates.
Dikko also linked the preparations to broader plans to improve sports infrastructure across the country. He said the commission was considering an initial investment through a proposed Sports Infrastructure Development Bond to support facility upgrades nationwide.
He expressed confidence that cooperation among the Federal Government, the NSC, the Lagos State Government, the FCT administration, the Nigeria Football Federation and CAF would ensure the successful delivery of both events.
Earlier, the Acting General Secretary of the NFF, Emmanuel Ikpeme, said the federation would provide personnel and work with CAF to make the General Assembly successful and the awards ceremony memorable.
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