Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has pledged the state government’s full support for the successful hosting of the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards, assuring visiting football dignitaries and international guests of a world-class experience.

Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Sunday, October 18, while receiving a CAF delegation led by Dr Christian Emeruwa, Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly, during a courtesy visit to Lagos House, Marina.

The governor said his administration would prioritise security, logistics, branding and access to event venues as preparations intensify for the prestigious ceremony scheduled for December 7 in Lagos.  

He described Lagos as one of Africa’s leading commercial, cultural, entertainment and technology centres, noting that the state’s diversity, youthful population and economic significance position it to host major international events.

Sanwo-Olu said the awards would provide an opportunity to showcase Lagos and Nigeria’s hospitality, organisational capacity and readiness to welcome leading figures from across the global football community.

The governor’s assurance comes as Nigeria prepares to host two major CAF events, with Lagos selected for the awards ceremony and Abuja scheduled to host the continental governing body’s 48th Ordinary General Assembly on November 21, 2026.  

Speaking during the meeting, Emeruwa disclosed that the CAF delegation was in Nigeria for a five-day inspection mission to assess proposed venues and review preparations for both events.

The inspection exercise is intended to evaluate facilities and strengthen coordination among CAF, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Federal Government and the Lagos and Abuja state authorities.

Emeruwa described the CAF Awards as one of the continent’s major annual football events, recognising outstanding players, coaches, officials and national teams for their achievements during the year under review.

He noted that the December ceremony would attract prominent personalities from African and international football, including representatives of world governing body FIFA and other distinguished guests.  

The CAF project lead also sought the assistance of the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) in promoting the event and coordinating branding across the state.

He further requested that the Lagos State Government lead security operations in collaboration with CAF’s security team to ensure effective arrangements for participants, officials and visitors.

The latest visit follows an earlier inspection of proposed facilities in Lagos and Abuja as Nigeria works towards delivering both events to the standards expected by CAF.  

The CAF Awards ceremony is expected to bring together some of Africa’s leading footballers, coaches, administrators and other stakeholders for an evening celebrating excellence in the game.

For Lagos, the event offers an opportunity to strengthen its reputation as a destination for major international gatherings while creating potential benefits for tourism, hospitality, transport and related businesses.

With the December 7 date approaching, attention will increasingly turn to the readiness of the selected venues and the coordination of the security, transport, accommodation and publicity arrangements.

Sanwo-Olu’s pledge signals the state government’s commitment to working with CAF and its Nigerian partners to deliver a successful ceremony that showcases Lagos and Nigerian football to an international audience.