2026 Awards: Sanwo-Olu Assures CAF of Lagos’ Readiness to Host

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged the State Government's full support for the successful hosting of the prestigious 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards in Lagos on December 7.

Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly, Dr. Christian Emeruwa (left) receiving a souvenir from Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu during a courtesy visit to the governor ahead of the 2026 CAF Awards in Lagos, at the Government House in Marina, on Sunday, October 18, 2026.

Governor Sanwo-Olu assured a CAF delegation visiting Lagos that key arrangements, including security, logistics, branding and venue access, would receive the necessary attention.

He gave the assurance while receiving the delegation, led by the Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly, Dr Christian Emeruwa, during a courtesy visit at Lagos House, Marina, on Sunday.

The Governor described Lagos as a major commercial, cultural, entertainment and technology hub in Africa, highlighting its diversity, youthful population and economic significance as key assets for hosting international events.

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu making his remarks during a courtesy visit by CAF delegation ahead of the 2026 CAF Awards in Lagos, led by Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly, Dr. Christian Emeruwa (left), at the Government House in Marina.

He said Lagos had committed to giving CAF officials, football stakeholders and international visitors a positive experience, adding that the event would provide an opportunity to showcase the state’s hospitality and capacity to host major international engagements.

Speaking earlier, Emeruwa said the CAF delegation was in Nigeria for a five-day mission to inspect proposed venues and assess preparations for the CAF Awards in Lagos and the CAF General Assembly in Abuja.

He described the CAF Awards as one of the continent's major annual non-competitive football events, recognising outstanding players, officials and national teams for their achievements during the year under review.

The CAF Project lead noted that the December 7 ceremony would attract prominent figures in African and international football, including representatives of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), as well as other international guests.

Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (middle); Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly, Dr. Christian Emeruwa (fifth from left); NFF lead, Dr. Ademola Olajire (fourth from right) and other members of the delegation, during a courtesy visit to the governor ahead of the 2026 CAF Awards in Lagos, at the Government House in Marina. 

Emeruwa called for support from the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) to facilitate publicity and branding across the state. He also requested that the security operations be led by the Lagos State Government in coordination with CAF's security team.