Lagos is set to host African football's most prestigious evening, and the spotlight this December falls firmly on South Africa. From the man chairing the ceremony to the newly crowned champions of the continent, five South African names are poised to dominate the night when the city's Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts — the old National Theatre — opens its doors on 7 December.

Patrice Motsepe presides

CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe is the architect of the event's return to Lagos — his Executive Committee confirmed Nigeria as host at a virtual meeting on 2 October. Motsepe, who first took office in March 2021 and was re-elected in March 2025, oversaw the selection process that saw Lagos beat Abuja, with a five-member CAF delegation inspecting venues including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre and the Eko Hotel before Lagos governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu declared the city ready.

Lagos is no stranger to the occasion, having hosted the awards in 2008, 2013, and 2014. Nigeria's own football community arrives with momentum: at last year's ceremony in Morocco, Chiamaka Nnadozie claimed Women's Goalkeeper of the Year for a third consecutive time, the Super Falcons were crowned Women's National Team of the Year, and Victor Osimhen finished in the top three for the men's prize alongside Achraf Hakimi and Mohamed Salah.

Motsepe's connection to South African club football is also personal. His son Thlopie took over as chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns when Motsepe moved to CAF, and it is that club that now arrives in Lagos as African champions.

Mamelodi Sundowns — the club of the year

Sundowns clinched their second CAF Champions League title in May, defeating Morocco's AS FAR 2-1 on aggregate. They travel to Lagos as the dominant force on the continent and, according to South African reports, lead the early nominations — with the club in contention for Club of the Year and three of its key figures shortlisted for individual awards. CAF had not published its full official list at the time of those reports, meaning the final shortlists could still shift.

Ronwen Williams — the goalkeeper who delivered

Williams produced a decisive penalty save during Sundowns' Champions League triumph and is reported to be among the nominees for Goalkeeper of the Year. A fixture in the Bafana Bafana setup as well as Sundowns' number one, he is one of the most recognisable figures in South African football and one of the most keenly watched names heading into Lagos.

Teboho Mokoena — the match-winner

If a single moment defined Sundowns' continental campaign, it was Mokoena's long-range strike against AS FAR in the final — the goal that proved decisive on aggregate. The midfielder is linked with Interclub Player of the Year, the award recognising the standout performer in CAF's club competitions. A win on 7 December would represent the crowning moment of his career.

Miguel Cardoso — the coach who conquered Africa

Portuguese coach Cardoso guided Sundowns to their second continental crown and is among the candidates for Coach of the Year. Should Sundowns sweep the club categories, Cardoso will be recognised as the man who transformed South Africa's dominant domestic force into the finest club on the continent. The Lagos crowd will ensure every name called on the night receives a rousing reception — and in South Africa, millions will be watching with more than national pride on the line.