The confirmation was made following a virtual meeting of the CAF Executive Committee chaired by CAF President Patrice Motsepe on Friday, 2 October 2026.
Wole Soyinka Centre set to stage ceremony
The prestigious ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Iganmu, Lagos, formerly known as the National Theatre.
The venue had previously been identified by CAF and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) during an inspection of facilities in August. The CAF delegation also inspected other facilities in Lagos as part of preparations for the continental events.
African football's biggest stars to gather
The annual CAF Awards bring together some of the continent’s leading players, coaches, clubs, national teams and football administrators to celebrate outstanding achievements in African football.
Among the headline honours traditionally presented at the ceremony are the Men's and Women's Player of the Year awards, Interclub Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, National Team of the Year, Club of the Year and Goal of the Year.
The event is expected to attract leading figures from across African football to Lagos for the December ceremony.
Nigeria to host another major CAF event
The CAF Awards will not be the only major continental football event hosted by Nigeria this year.
CAF has also confirmed that its Ordinary General Assembly will take place in Nigeria on Saturday, 21 November 2026. The General Assembly is scheduled for Abuja, while the CAF Awards will be staged in Lagos.
The hosting rights give Nigeria an opportunity to welcome the continent's football community for two major CAF events within a short period.
Lagos prepares for CAF Awards
Preparations for the awards ceremony have already been under way, with CAF previously conducting inspections of proposed venues and facilities in Lagos.
The NFF said the CAF inspection team emphasised the importance of delivering a seamless, safe and memorable event when the awards and other continental activities are staged in Nigeria.
With the date now officially confirmed, attention will turn to the final preparations for the 2026 CAF Awards, with Lagos set to become the centre of African football on 7 December.