ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially granted approval for Nigeria to host the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards, signaling the return of the continent’s most prestigious football gala to Nigerian soil after an 11-year hiatus. In addition to the glamour of the awards, the President also approved the hosting of the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly, scheduled to take place in October 2026.
High-Level Diplomacy in Nairobi
The announcement followed a high-stakes meeting during the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, where President Tinubu met with CAF President Patrice Motsepe. The Nigerian delegation included key figures such as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and NFF President Ibrahim Gusau.
The presence of Amaju Pinnick, a Special Adviser to the CAF President, and CAF Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu, underscored the strategic importance of this hosting right. By securing both the General Assembly and the Awards, Nigeria positions itself as the focal point of African football administration and celebration for the final quarter of the year.
The Road from Rabat: A Chance for Redemption
The 2026 ceremony will follow the 2025 edition held in Rabat, Morocco, where the host nation enjoyed a historic clean sweep. Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi currently reigns as the African Men's Player of the Year, having succeeded Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman.
While Morocco dominated the 2025 individual honors with stars like Yassine Bounou and Ghizlane Chebbak taking top prizes Nigeria maintained its grip on the women's categories. Super Falcons’ shot-stopper Chiamaka Nnadozie remains the continent's premier goalkeeper, and the Nigerian women’s team continues to hold the title of National Team of the Year. Hosting the 2026 edition provides a perfect backdrop for Nigerian stars like Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala to potentially reclaim individual crowns in front of a home crowd.
A Legacy of Glitz and Glamour
Nigeria is no stranger to the CAF Awards, having hosted the event four times previously. The last time the "Oscars of African Football" graced Nigeria was in January 2015 at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre in Lagos.
That 2015 edition was a landmark moment for African football; it saw Yaya Touré clinch a record-equaling fourth consecutive title, while a young Asisat Oshoala began her journey toward a historic six titles by winning her first on home soil. By bringing the event back in 2026, the Tinubu administration aims to showcase Nigeria’s hospitality, infrastructure, and enduring passion for the beautiful game.
The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in October will serve as the administrative precursor to the awards, bringing together the presidents of all 54 member associations and the six zonal unions to deliberate on the future of the sport on the continent.
