Nigeria’s preparations to host two major CAF events have entered a decisive stage as a 15-member Confederation of African Football delegation carries out a second and final inspection of facilities in Lagos and Abuja.
The Nigeria Football Federation said the delegation, led by CAF Head of Safety and Security Dr Christian Emeruwa, will assess venues, hotels, airports and other operational infrastructure ahead of the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Abuja and the 2026 CAF Awards in Lagos.
CAF has confirmed that its Ordinary General Assembly will take place in Abuja on November 21, while the CAF Awards are scheduled for Lagos on December 7.
That makes the latest inspection more than a ceremonial visit.
It is the final scheduled assessment before Nigeria welcomes CAF officials, member-association leaders and other stakeholders for two of the governing body’s major institutional events of the year.
According to the NFF, the delegation will begin in Lagos, where it is expected to inspect and hold discussions involving the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Eko Hotel & Suites, Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Lagos State Government officials.
The inspection will then shift to Abuja, with CAF officials scheduled to assess the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Transcorp Hilton Hotel and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The NFF said a six-member federation team led by Ademola Olajire will accompany the CAF delegation during the Lagos and Abuja inspections.
Final check after earlier inspection
CAF officials previously inspected Nigerian facilities between July 31 and August 4, when they met agencies and institutions expected to play roles in staging the events.
The NFF said those discussions covered the coordination required to deliver the General Assembly and Awards successfully, with regular communication agreed between the relevant parties.
CAF’s own preparations indicate that operational planning is already well advanced, including procurement processes connected to broadcast, event management and ceremony branding.
Nigeria faces a hosting test
For Nigeria, the inspection carries a wider question of delivery.
Hosting the CAF General Assembly places Abuja at the centre of African football administration for a day, while the Awards will bring continental football’s annual recognition event to Lagos weeks later.
The events carry institutional weight and place Nigeria’s facilities, logistics and coordination under continental scrutiny.
But the final judgment on those preparations belongs to the inspection process itself.
The arrival of the 15-member team therefore marks the point where preparation meets scrutiny: Nigeria has secured the events, but it must still demonstrate that its infrastructure and operational plans are ready to carry them.