Lagos ready to host 2026 CAF Awards – Sanwo-Olu

Lagos, Nigeria, has been officially selected as the host city for the 2026 CAF Awards, Africa's premier football honors ceremony. The announcement was made by Lekan Fatodu, Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The event will take place at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, located in Iganmu, Lagos. This venue, once known as the National Theatre, has undergone significant renovations under the former presidency of Muhammadu Buhari and has since become a prominent symbol of Nigeria’s cultural and artistic revival. The CAF Awards recognize excellence in African football across multiple categories, including Men’s Player of the Year, Women’s Player of the Year, Interclub Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, National Team of the Year, and Club of the Year. These accolades are awarded based on outstanding performances in both club and international competitions over the preceding year. The selection of Lagos as the host city reinforces Nigeria’s status as a key player in organizing major continental sporting events, continuing a legacy that includes hosting the CAF Awards in 2015 and 2017. The decision to hold the 2026 CAF Awards in Lagos follows the recent announcement that Nigeria would host the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in October. This marks another milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to position itself as a hub for African sports governance and celebration. The Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, with its distinctive police cap design, is set to welcome a gathering of football luminaries, fans, and officials from across the continent. Its selection highlights the growing importance of cultural and architectural landmarks in hosting high-profile events. Previous editions of the CAF Awards have taken place in different parts of Nigeria. In 2015, the ceremony was held at the Eko Hotels and Convention Centre, while in 2017, it took place at the International Conference Centre in Abuja. During these events, notable figures such as Riyad Mahrez of Morocco were honored as Men’s Player of the Year, defeating competitors like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Gabon and Sadio Mané of Senegal. Additionally, Asisat Oshoala, a former captain of the Nigerian women’s team, was recognized as Women’s Player of the Year in 2017. The upcoming edition of the CAF Awards promises to bring together some of the most influential names in African football. With Lagos as the host city, the event is expected to draw large crowds and media attention, further elevating the profile of both the city and the nation on the global stage. The choice of venue reflects a broader strategy to leverage cultural institutions for sporting events, enhancing their visibility and significance within the community. The announcement comes amid increasing interest in African football, driven by the success of players and teams across the continent. The CAF Awards serve not only as a platform for recognizing individual and collective achievements but also as a catalyst for promoting the sport and its associated industries. As preparations for the 2026 event begin, all eyes will be on Lagos, where the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts is poised to become a focal point for celebrating the best in African football.