By Samuel Akpan
Nigeria’s bid to host two flagship 2026 CAF events has gained momentum following key talks led by National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko.
On the sidelines of the CAF Executive Committee meeting and Strategy Conference in Sal, Cabo Verde, Dikko met with CAF President Patrice Motsepe, General Secretary Samson Adamu, and Special Adviser Amaju Melvin Pinnick to present progress updates on hosting the Ordinary General Assembly in Abuja and the CAF Awards in Lagos.
PerSecondNews recalls that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier endorsed Nigeria’s readiness in a May 2026 meeting with Motsepe on the margins of the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, after which CAF granted the hosting rights, with the Assembly fixed for November 21 and the Awards for December 7.
Preparations continue through discussions on organisational needs, venue readiness, transport and accommodation, targeting the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja and the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly the National Theatre, in Lagos.
The Assembly, African football’s highest decision-making body, will draw presidents and general secretaries of the 54 member associations plus officials and stakeholders, while the Awards will honour outstanding players, coaches, teams and clubs.
Dikko was joined by Customs Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for inter-agency support and TMPL Chairman Saleh Amadu for private-sector backing, as the Federal Government frames the events under the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy.
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