Dikko Pledges Seamless Hosting Of CAF Congress, 2026 Awards
National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko has assured the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of Nigeria’s preparedness to successfully host the 48th Ordinary General Assembly in Abuja and the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony in Lagos.
Dikko gave the assurance on Tuesday during a meeting with a CAF delegation inspecting facilities in Abuja ahead of the General Assembly, following an earlier assessment of facilities and engagements with relevant agencies and stakeholders in Lagos.
He said the Federal Government was committed to delivering successful events that would showcase Nigeria’s organisational capacity and strengthen its standing in African football administration.
According to Dikko, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu readily approved the hosting initiative after being briefed by 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,’ Dikko said.
‘We will work together as one team to make sure this is delivered to the best that it could be.’
The NSC chairman also acknowledged the contribution of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to preparations for the General Assembly in Abuja.
He explained that Abuja and Lagos would play complementary roles, with the Federal Capital hosting the CAF Congress proceedings and Lagos staging the continental body’s annual awards ceremony.
Dikko described Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial hub, noting its experience in hosting major international sporting and cultural events.
He added that the NSC was collaborating with relevant government agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, to facilitate the smooth entry and departure of international delegates, minimise delays and improve their overall experience.
The NSC chairman also highlighted plans to mobilise funding for sports infrastructure development through a proposed Sports Infrastructure Development Bond, which would 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 ensure the successful delivery of both events.
Earlier, NFF Acting General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme assured the CAF delegation of the federation’s readiness to provide personnel and logistical support for the General Assembly and awards ceremony.
Ikpeme said the NFF would cooperate fully with CAF to ensure both events were successfully organised.
Nigeria’s hosting of the two high-profile gatherings is expected to provide an opportunity to showcase the country’s capacity to organise major international events and reinforce its engagement with African football’s governing body.
