Lagos State has been officially confirmed as the host city for the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards, Africa’s premier football gala celebrating the continent’s top sporting talent.
Lekan Fatodu, Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), disclosed the development on Saturday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
LSSC DG Lekan Fatodu confirmed that Lagos will welcome Africa’s top football stars, administrators, and global media for the event. The state government highlighted Lagos’ readiness in terms of security, hospitality, and logistics to deliver a seamless event.
Hosting the continental gala is set to spotlight Lagos’ vibrant entertainment and sports culture while boosting local business and tourism.
”Lagos is fully prepared to deliver a world-class event that reflects the passion, energy, and excellence of African football,” Fatodu stated during his chat with NAN.
Further details regarding the venue, schedule, and category shortlists are expected to be unveiled jointly by CAF and the Lagos State Sports Commission in the coming weeks.
The event will take place at the newly renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Iganmu, highlighting the landmark facility’s role in Nigeria’s cultural and creative revival.
The gala will gather top African footballers, coaches, club representatives, and sports administrators to honor accomplishments across both domestic and international competitions.
The news comes as Nigeria also prepares to host the 48th Confederation of African Football (CAF) Ordinary General Assembly, scheduled for October.
The upcoming ceremony will crown the continent’s finest across several major categories; Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year, Interclub Player of the Year and Club of the Year and Young Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, and National Team of the Year
”Hosting Africa’s biggest football gala further enhances Nigeria’s profile as a prime destination for major continental events and underscores our state’s capacity to deliver international-standard hospitality, security, and logistics.” said Lekan Fatodu.
The state government noted that hosting the awards will boost local sports tourism, drive revenue for businesses across Lagos, and further solidify the city’s standing as Africa’s commercial and entertainment hub.
Joint announcements from CAF and the Lagos State Sports Commission regarding the event’s final schedule and category shortlist will follow in the coming weeks.
