The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that Lagos will host the 2026 CAF Awards at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos . The event will celebrate Africa’s outstanding footballers, coaches, clubs, national teams and administrators .
Lekan Fatodu, Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, confirmed the development, describing it as a significant boost for Nigeria’s profile as a destination for major continental sporting events . The announcement comes as a CAF inspection team is currently assessing Nigeria’s readiness to host the awards alongside the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly, which is scheduled to take place in Abuja in October 2026 .
The Wole Soyinka Centre, which was renovated and renamed in October 2025 in honour of Nigeria’s Nobel Laureate, has become a symbol of Nigeria’s cultural renaissance . The venue previously hosted the World Poetry Day celebrations and continues to serve as a hub for creative and cultural events .
The CAF Awards, often described as the “Oscars of African Football,” are returning to Nigeria after nearly a decade, with the last edition hosted in Abuja in 2017 . The gala will honour winners across several categories, including Men’s Player of the Year, Women’s Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, and National Team of the Year .