A 15-member delegation of the Confederation of African Football 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, gave the assessment during its final inspection of facilities and logistical arrangements ahead of the two major continental football events.
The team inspected key facilities in Abuja, including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Transcorp Hilton Hotel and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The visit was aimed at assessing Nigeria’s readiness to accommodate football officials, delegates and other participants expected at the events.
Accompanied by a six-member Nigeria Football Federation team led by its Director of Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire, the CAF delegation also met with the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko.
Discussions at the meeting focused on accommodation, transportation, immigration procedures, hospitality and other arrangements required for the successful hosting of the gatherings.
Dikko reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria delivers successful events, saying the country was determined to demonstrate its capacity to host major international sporting activities.
The inspection marked the delegation’s second and final assessment in Nigeria, following an earlier visit to Lagos, where the CAF Awards will hold.
The team is expected to submit its findings to CAF management after completing the exercise.
Other critical areas under review include visa and entry procedures for delegates, landing permits, travel documentation and coordination among relevant government agencies and event organisers.
The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly will bring together football administrators and other stakeholders from across the continent, while the CAF Awards will recognise outstanding achievements in African football.
Nigeria’s ability to meet the logistical and operational requirements of both events is expected to be central to the final assessment by the continental football governing body.
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