Lagos has been confirmed as the host city for the 2026 CAF Awards, bringing African football’s premier annual awards ceremony back to Nigeria for the first time in nearly a decade, as reported by ChannelsTv and Punch. The ceremony is scheduled for December at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Iganmu, although CAF has yet to announce the exact date.
The return marks a major moment for Nigeria, which previously hosted the awards in Lagos in 2008, 2013 and 2015, before Abuja staged the 2017 edition. The 2026 event therefore represents the ceremony’s return to Lagos after more than 11 years and its return to Nigeria after almost a decade.
Preparations are already underway. A five member CAF delegation recently inspected the designated venue, alongside key facilities including Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Eko Hotel & Suites. The inspection focused on safety, technology, transportation, accommodation and branding as CAF works with Nigerian authorities to deliver the event.
For Lagos, hosting the CAF Awards is more than a sporting honour. The ceremony is expected to bring Africa’s leading footballers, coaches, administrators and global stakeholders to the city, creating opportunities for sports tourism, hospitality, entertainment and international visibility. With Nigeria also scheduled to host the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Abuja, the country is positioning itself as a major hub for African football in 2026.
