A five-person delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has completed a two-day inspection tour of facilities Nigeria has put forward to host the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly and the 2026 CAF Awards.

The delegation was led by Dr Christian Emeruwa and comprised Hervé Dassoundo (Commercial and Branding), Inas Ahmed (Travel and Accommodation), Salah Mostafa (Transport), and Mohammed Bakeer (Technology).

Venues across Abuja and Lagos assessed

In Abuja, the team evaluated the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre. The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre has been put forward as the proposed venue for the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly.

The delegation's tour began with an earlier leg in Lagos, where five representatives of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) accompanied the CAF officials. Sites visited there included the Eko Hotel & Suites, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, and the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts — the latter earmarked to stage the 2026 CAF Awards.

Historic venue takes centre stage

At the Wole Soyinka Centre, the delegation was received by Hon. Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, and the commission's Director of Sports, Mr Nunayon Travih. Mr Alex Njoku, Special Assistant to the Centre's Director General, Ms Tola Akerele, led the group on a guided tour of the venue.

Originally built in 1976 to host the Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture — known as FESTAC '77 — the Wole Soyinka Centre underwent a comprehensive renovation before being recommissioned in October 2025.

The CAF officials departed satisfied, underlining that both events must deliver a seamless, secure, innovative, and memorable experience for delegates and guests alike. Nigeria now awaits a final decision from the confederation on whether it will be confirmed as host.