Nigeria Moves Closer To Hosting CAF Congress And Awards As Inspection Begins

Nigeria Moves Closer To Hosting CAF Congress And Awards As Inspection Begins

By Niyi Busari 

A five-member delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has commenced an inspection of facilities in Nigeria as part of the country's preparations to host the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly and the CAF Awards, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The delegation arrived in Abuja on Thursday to evaluate venues and supporting infrastructure for the two flagship events, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's approval for Nigeria to stage them.

The approval was granted two months ago during the Africa Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, after a formal request by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe.

The CAF inspection team is led by the Confederation's Head of Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa. Other members include Mohammed Bakeer (Technology), Inas Ahmed (Travel and Accommodation), Salah Mostafa (Transport) and Hervé Dassoundo (Branding).

The inspection exercise began on Friday with an assessment of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, one of the key entry points for delegates and officials expected for the events.

On Saturday, the delegation is scheduled to inspect the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, the proposed venue for the CAF Ordinary General Assembly, as well as the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, which has been designated to accommodate delegates, CAF officials and invited guests.

The CAF Ordinary General Assembly is the Confederation's premier annual administrative gathering, bringing together football administrators from across Africa to deliberate on policy, governance and the future development of the game on the continent. Nigeria has hosted the Congress only twice previously, in 1980 and 2009.

The inspection will continue on Sunday in Lagos, where CAF officials are expected to visit the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, the proposed venue for the CAF Awards, in addition to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and EKO Hotel & Suites.

Accompanying the CAF delegation throughout the exercise is a five-member team from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), comprising Director of Media and Communications Dr Ademola Olajire, Director of Marketing Alizor Chuks, Head of Security Barnabas Joro, Chief Protocol Officer Emmanuel Ayanbunmi, and Head of ICT Tasiu Riskuwa Shehu.

The inspection marks a significant milestone in Nigeria's bid to host two of African football's most prestigious annual events, with the outcome expected to play a crucial role in determining the country's readiness to welcome football administrators, stakeholders and distinguished guests from across the continent.