The 2026 CAF Awards preparations took another step after a five-man Confederation of African Football (CAF) delegation inspected the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Iganmu, Lagos.
The venue, formerly known as the National Theatre, will host the ceremony as Nigeria stages the CAF Awards Nigeria event in Lagos.
CAF Head of Safety and Security Dr Christian Emeruwa led the delegation. Mohammed Bakeer, Inas Ahmed, Salah Mostafa and Hervé Dassoundo also joined the inspection, handling technology, travel and accommodation, transport and branding respectively.
Officials from the Lagos State Sports Commission received the CAF team and took the delegation around the venue. The officials assessed the facilities and examined arrangements for the awards ceremony.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the state would work with CAF, the Federal Government and the Nigeria Football Federation during the preparations.
“We are honoured that Lagos has been chosen to host this prestigious event. We are ready to showcase the best of our city and our country to Africa and the rest of the world,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Nigeria has hosted the CAF Awards four times, with Lagos last staging the ceremony in January 2015.
The 2026 ceremony will honour African footballers, coaches, officials and teams for their performances and achievements during the year.
The Lagos inspection came after the CAF delegation assessed facilities in Abuja. The capital city will host the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly on November 21, 2026.
