Dikko Assures CAF Of Nigeria’s Readiness To Host General Assembly, Awards
By Saheed Afolabi
Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has assured the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of Nigeria’s readiness to successfully host the 48th Ordinary General Assembly in Abuja and the 2026 CAF Awards in Lagos.
Dikko gave the assurance on Tuesday while receiving a CAF delegation inspecting facilities and assessing preparations for the two events, following its engagements with relevant government agencies, institutions and stakeholders in Lagos.
The NSC chairman said the Federal Government was committed to delivering successful events that would showcase Nigeria’s organisational capacity and reinforce its standing in African football administration.
He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had readily approved the hosting initiative after CAF leadership briefed him on the proposal during the Africa Forward Summit in Kenya about 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.”
He also acknowledged the contribution of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to preparations for the General Assembly in Abuja, expressing confidence that cooperation among the relevant authorities would ensure a smooth hosting experience.
According to Dikko, Abuja and Lagos will serve complementary roles, with the nation’s capital hosting the CAF General Assembly and Lagos staging the 2026 CAF Awards.
He described Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial hub, noting its experience in hosting major international sporting and cultural events.
Dikko added that the NSC was collaborating with relevant government agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service, to simplify entry and exit procedures for international delegates, minimise delays and ensure a seamless experience throughout their stay.
Beyond the immediate preparations, the NSC chairman said Nigeria was working towards improving its sporting infrastructure to strengthen the country’s capacity to host major international competitions.
He reiterated plans to mobilise funding through a proposed Sports Infrastructure Development Bond to support facility upgrades across the country.
Dikko expressed optimism that the partnership involving the Federal Government, NSC, Lagos State Government, FCT administration, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and CAF would deliver successful events and enhance Nigeria’s reputation in international sports administration.
He further noted that hosting the two CAF events would provide an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its commitment to African football development while strengthening its relationship with the continent’s football governing body.
Meanwhile, Acting NFF General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, assured the CAF delegation that the federation would provide the necessary personnel and institutional support to ensure the success of both events.
Ikpeme, who received the delegation at his office, pledged the NFF’s full cooperation with CAF in delivering a successful General Assembly in Abuja and a memorable awards ceremony in Lagos.
