Lagos has been officially confirmed as the host city for the 2026 CAF Awards, Africa’s biggest annual football awards ceremony.
The announcement was made by the Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu, who said the prestigious event will take place at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Iganmu, formerly known as the National Theatre.
The CAF Awards celebrate Africa’s finest football talents, recognising outstanding players, coaches, clubs, national teams and football administrators for their achievements over the past year.
Hosting the ceremony is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s reputation as a preferred destination for major continental sporting events while highlighting the country’s continued contribution to African football.
The 2026 edition will bring together some of Africa’s biggest football stars and key stakeholders, with awards to be presented in several categories, including Men’s Player of the Year, Women’s Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Young Player of the Year, Club of the Year, and National Team of the Year.
The selection of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts also marks another milestone for the iconic venue, which has become one of Nigeria’s leading centres for cultural and international events.
Nigeria is also preparing to host the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly later in October, further reinforcing its growing role in African football.
The country has previously hosted the CAF Awards, including editions held in Lagos (2015) and Abuja (2017).
At the 2017 ceremony, Riyad Mahrez won the Men’s Player of the Year award, while Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala was named Women’s Player of the Year.
Source: NAN
