Nigeria will host the 2026 CAF Awards in Lagos on December 7, as the Confederation of African Football brings its annual football honours ceremony back to the country.
CAF announced the date in a statement on Saturday, confirming Lagos as the venue for an event that celebrates Africa’s leading footballers and other key figures in the sport.
Nigeria will also host the CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Abuja on November 21, giving the country two major CAF events within the same period.
President Bola Tinubu approved Nigeria’s bid to host both events earlier this year. In July, a five-member CAF inspection team visited the country to assess preparations and inspect the proposed venues.
The inspection team visited the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre and Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, where officials will hold the General Assembly. In Lagos, organisers selected the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly the National Art Theatre, to host the CAF Awards. EKO Hotel & Suites will provide accommodation for visiting guests.
The CAF Awards recognise outstanding footballers, coaches and other contributors to the African game across several categories.
Nigeria last hosted the ceremony on January 6, 2017. Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez won the men’s African Player of the Year award, while Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala claimed the women’s prize.
The 2026 ceremony will therefore mark the CAF Awards’ return to Nigeria after nine years.
