The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to successfully hosting the 48th Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Abuja and the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony in Lagos.
Dikko gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving a CAF delegation inspecting facilities in Abuja ahead of the General Assembly, following earlier engagements with relevant agencies, institutions and stakeholders in Lagos.
Key Highlights
- NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko assures CAF of Nigeria’s readiness to host the 48th CAF General Assembly in Abuja and the 2026 CAF Awards in Lagos.
- Dikko says President Tinubu approved the hosting after a briefing by CAF leadership in Kenya five months ago.
- The NSC is working with the Nigeria Customs Service to ease entry and exit for international visitors.
- Dikko reiterates plans for a Sports Infrastructure Development Bond to upgrade facilities nationwide.
- The NFF pledges personnel to work closely with CAF for both events.
He said the two events would provide Nigeria with an opportunity to demonstrate its capacity to organise major international gatherings while contributing to the growth and development of African football.
According to the NSC chairman, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the hosting initiative after being briefed by CAF leadership on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya five months ago.
“His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the government of our country are very, very committed to hosting bespoke events that will underscore the capacity of our people in organisation and management of high-profile events,” Dikko said.
He added that the government and relevant stakeholders would work together to ensure the events meet international standards.
Abuja and Lagos to Play Complementary Roles
Dikko also acknowledged the support of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in facilitating preparations for the General Assembly in Abuja.
He explained that Abuja and Lagos would perform complementary roles, with the nation’s capital hosting the General Assembly proceedings and Lagos staging the CAF Awards.
Describing Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial hub, Dikko highlighted the state’s experience in hosting major international sporting and cultural events.
He further disclosed that the NSC was collaborating with relevant government agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, to facilitate smooth entry and exit procedures for international visitors, minimise delays and improve the experience of delegates.
Read also:
- CAF To Send 15-Man Team To Nigeria For Final Inspection Ahead Of General Assembly, Awards
- CAF Opens Tender For 2026 General Assembly, Awards
- Dikko Unveils Massive Sports Infrastructure Plans Across Nigeria
Hosting Linked to Sports Infrastructure Drive
The commission chairman also linked Nigeria’s hosting ambitions to ongoing efforts to improve sporting infrastructure across the country.
He reiterated plans to mobilise an initial proposed investment through a Sports Infrastructure Development Bond to support the upgrading of sports facilities nationwide.
Dikko expressed confidence that cooperation among the Federal Government, NSC, Lagos State Government, FCT administration, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and CAF would ensure the successful delivery of both events.
He said the initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s standing in international sports administration and demonstrate its commitment to advancing African football.
Earlier, the Acting General Secretary of the NFF, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, assured the CAF delegation that the federation would deploy its personnel to work closely with the continental governing body.
Ikpeme said the NFF was committed to ensuring a successful General Assembly and a memorable CAF Awards ceremony.
CAF A-License Coaching Course Begins in Abuja
Meanwhile, the second module of the CAF A-License Coaching Course, organised by the NFF, commenced in Abuja at the weekend.
The course is taking place at the NFF/FIFA Goal Project pitch of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, with participants and resource persons attending the training programme.
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