Lagos to Host 2026 CAF Awards as African Football Stars Head to Nigeria
African football’s biggest stars, coaches and football personalities are set to converge on Lagos as Nigeria prepares to host the prestigious 2026 CAF Awards on December 7.
LAGOS, NIGERIA: Lagos is set to take centre stage in African football as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirms that the 2026 CAF Awards will be held in the Nigerian city on Monday, December 7, 2026.
The prestigious ceremony will take place at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Iganmu, formerly known as the National Theatre.
CAF confirmed the date and host city following a virtual meeting of its Executive Committee, chaired by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, on Friday, October 2. The committee also approved the organisation’s 2026–2030 competitions calendar.
Lagos to host CAF Awards for fourth time
The 2026 edition will mark the fourth time Lagos has hosted the CAF Awards, following previous ceremonies held in the city in 2008, 2013 and 2014.
The annual awards bring together some of the biggest names in African football, including leading players, coaches, administrators and other stakeholders, for a celebration of achievements across the continent.
The ceremony is expected to attract prominent football personalities from across Africa, with attention focused on the continent’s outstanding performers and contributors to the sport’s development.
Nigeria prepares for two major CAF events
The CAF Awards will not be Nigeria’s only major CAF engagement in November and December.
The country is also scheduled to host the CAF Ordinary General Assembly on Saturday, November 21, 2026, in Abuja.
The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja has been earmarked for the General Assembly, while the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos will host the awards ceremony.
CAF officials inspected proposed facilities in Abuja and Lagos in August as part of preparations for both events. The inspection team visited the Wole Soyinka Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites and Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, as well as key facilities in Abuja.
Lagos ready for another major football celebration
The return of the CAF Awards to Lagos places Nigeria firmly on the continental football calendar for late 2026.
For Lagos, the ceremony is also expected to be a major sporting and entertainment occasion, bringing together football stars, celebrities, industry leaders and international guests.
With the date now officially confirmed, attention will turn to preparations for the December ceremony and the players, coaches and other football personalities who will be recognised at one of Africa’s most prominent football award events.
