Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the successful hosting of 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 during a courtesy visit by a CAF delegation inspecting facilities in Abuja ahead of the General Assembly. The delegation had earlier inspected facilities and engaged relevant agencies, institutions and stakeholders in Lagos.

The NSC chairman described the two events as important opportunities to showcase Nigeria’s organisational capacity and contribute to the development of African football.

He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had readily approved the initiative after receiving a briefing from 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. We will work together as one team to make sure this is delivered to the best that it could be,” Dikko said.

He also acknowledged the support of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in facilitating arrangements for the General Assembly in Abuja.

Dikko explained that Abuja and Lagos would play complementary roles in hosting the events, with the nation’s capital staging the General Assembly proceedings while Lagos hosts the CAF Awards.

Describing Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial hub, he highlighted the state’s experience in organising major international sporting and cultural events.

The NSC chairman added that the commission was collaborating with relevant government agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, to streamline entry and exit procedures, minimise delays and ensure a smooth experience for international delegates and visitors.

On sports infrastructure, Dikko said ongoing investments would further demonstrate Nigeria’s readiness to host major international competitions. He reiterated plans to mobilise an initial proposed investment through a Sports Infrastructure Development Bond to support facility upgrades across the country.

He expressed confidence that cooperation among the Federal Government, NSC, Lagos State Government, FCT administration, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and CAF would guarantee the successful delivery of both events.

According to Dikko, hosting the two high-profile gatherings would strengthen Nigeria’s standing in international sports administration and demonstrate its commitment to the growth of African football.

Earlier, the Acting General Secretary of the NFF, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, who received the CAF delegation at his office, assured the continental governing body of the federation’s full cooperation.

Ikpeme said the NFF would deploy its personnel and work closely with CAF to ensure a successful Ordinary General Assembly and a memorable CAF Awards ceremony.