CAF Delegation Inspects Abuja Facilities Ahead of General Assembly

A 15-member delegation of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations to host the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Abuja on November 21 and the CAF Awards ceremony in Lagos on December 7.

The delegation, led by CAF Head of Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa, visited Nigeria to assess facilities and evaluate arrangements for the two major football events.

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Accompanied by a six-member Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) delegation led by its Director of Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire, the CAF officials inspected key facilities in Abuja, including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Transcorp Hilton Hotel and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The team also met with the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, to discuss accommodation, transportation, immigration procedures, hospitality and other logistical arrangements.

Dikko assured the delegation of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the successful hosting of both events, saying Nigeria was prepared to demonstrate its capacity to organise major international sporting gatherings.

The inspection marked the delegation’s second and final assessment visit to Nigeria, following an earlier inspection in Lagos. The team is expected to submit its findings to CAF management after completing its assignment.

The assessment covered visa and entry procedures for delegates, landing permits, travel documentation and coordination among government agencies and event organisers.

According to the NSC, arrangements for accommodation and transportation in Abuja have been addressed in collaboration with relevant authorities. Plans for a welcome dinner and other hospitality activities are also being coordinated with event partners and government representatives.

Preparations also include the establishment of a Local Organising Committee (LOC), whose membership is expected to be communicated to CAF to strengthen coordination between the two organisations.

The first preparatory delegation is expected to arrive in Nigeria on November 8, ahead of the General Assembly, while the current inspection team is expected to conclude its assignment and depart on November 23.

The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly will be held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, while the CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Lagos on December 7.

The events are expected to bring together leading figures in African football administration and provide Nigeria with an opportunity to showcase its capacity to host major international sporting gatherings.

The Federal Government, through the NSC and in collaboration with the NFF and other stakeholders, is working to ensure that the preparations meet CAF’s organisational requirements.