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 in Lagos on December 7.
The delegation, led by CAF Head of Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa, is in Nigeria for a final assessment of facilities and logistics ahead of the two continental football events.
Accompanied by a six-member Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) team led by its Director of Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire, the delegation inspected key facilities in Abuja, including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Transcorp Hilton Hotel and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
During a meeting with the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, the CAF officials discussed accommodation, transportation, immigration procedures, hospitality and other logistical arrangements required for the events.
Dikko reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the successful hosting of both gatherings, saying Nigeria was determined to demonstrate its capacity to organise major international sporting events.
The inspection is the delegation’s second and final assessment in Nigeria, following an earlier visit to Lagos. The team is expected to submit its findings to CAF management after completing the exercise.
Key areas under review include visa and entry procedures for delegates, landing permits, travel documentation and coordination among government agencies and event organisers.
The NSC said accommodation and transportation arrangements in Abuja had been addressed following interventions by relevant authorities, while plans for a welcome dinner and other hospitality activities were being coordinated with event partners and government representatives.
Preparations also include the constitution of a Local Organising Committee (LOC), whose membership will be communicated to CAF to facilitate coordination between the two bodies.
The first preparatory delegation is expected to arrive in Nigeria on November 8, ahead of the General Assembly. The current inspection team is expected to conclude its assignment and depart Nigeria on November 23.
The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly will take place at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, while the CAF Awards ceremony will be held in Lagos on December 7.
Nigeria’s hosting of the two events will bring together key figures in African football administration and provide an opportunity for the country to demonstrate its organisational capacity to the continent’s football stakeholders.
The Federal Government, through the NSC and in collaboration with the NFF and other stakeholders, is working towards ensuring that both events meet CAF’s organisational requirements.
