In a major boost for sports diplomacy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially approved Nigeria’s bid to host the 48th Ordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), alongside the prestigious CAF Awards ceremony later this year.
The announcement marks a significant return of high-profile continental football administration to Nigeria, with the General Assembly scheduled to take place in October.
The President confirmed the hosting rights during the ongoing Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. The decision followed a high-level meeting with CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe.
The Nigerian delegation at the meeting included prominent figures such as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON).
Also in attendance were Amaju Melvin Pinnick (OFR), Special Adviser to the CAF President, and CAF Acting General Secretary, Samson Adamu.
The collaboration between the Nigerian government and CAF leadership underscores a shared commitment to elevating the status of football infrastructure and administration within the West African sub-region.
The CAF Ordinary General Assembly is the most significant administrative gathering in African football, bringing together the presidents of all 54 Member Associations.
The event will also host representatives from the six zonal unions and senior football officials from across the continent to deliberate on the future of the African game.
Complementing the administrative sessions, the CAF Awards will serve as the crown jewel of the festivities. Known for its glitz and glamour, the annual showpiece celebrates the continent’s top performers, honouring the best players, coaches, and teams in an atmosphere of “sheer panache.”
Hosting both events is expected to provide a significant boost to Nigeria’s tourism and international sporting profile.
