Lagos to Host 2026 CAF Awards as Ceremony Gets New Date

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the 2026 CAF Awards will take place on December 2 in Lagos, Nigeria, for the first time since 2014. The ceremony will hold at the Professor Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Arts- Nigeria's very own National Theatre.

The ceremony was moved from December 7 to December 2, due to concerns that European clubs might fail to release those nominated for the award ceremony earlier stipulated for December 7. According to a CAF official quoted by The Guardian, the change was so that award winners would be present at the event, instead of risking their total absence.

The 2026 edition of the CAF awards will recognize excellence across multiple categories, some including the prestigious Men's and Women's Player of the Year awards and awards honoring coaches, goalkeepers, emerging talents and national teams. Voting runs from November 5 to 20, and it involves coaches, captains and selected media representatives, among others.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are coordinating preparations for the 2026 CAF Awards, covering venue readiness, security, accommodation, transportation, logistics and hospitality. The NSC and NFF are working closely with other government agencies and CAF, to ensure that the event runs smoothly. Earlier inspections and assessments of facilities in Lagos and Abuja have equally been carried out beforehand.

As Nigeria prepares to receive some of the biggest football personalities in Africa, fans will no doubt have the opportunity to witness the ceremony and see their favorites in their country. The event may also give room for businesses to flourish, as there would be an increased demand in transportation, lodging and hospitality, along with catering. The ceremony equally has the potential to give Nigeria more international visibility, strengthening its reputation as a location for future sporting ceremonies.