Nigeria has been selected to host the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Ordinary General Assembly in November, reaffirming the country's status as one of Africa's leading football nations and a major destination for continental sporting events.
The announcement was made by CAF President Patrice Motsepe during a press briefing in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he outlined the Confederation's post-2026 FIFA World Cup agenda and key initiatives for the continued development of football across Africa.
According to Motsepe, the Ordinary General Assembly will be held in Abuja, Nigeria's capital city, bringing together football administrators, federation presidents and key stakeholders from all 54 CAF member associations.
The CAF President described Nigeria as "a proud football nation," explaining that the decision to host the General Assembly in Abuja reflects the country's immense contribution to African football and its influence on the continental game.
Motsepe said CAF remains committed to ensuring that every member association benefits from the organisation's development programmes while strengthening football across every region of Africa.
He explained that CAF deliberately rotates major events among member countries to promote inclusiveness and encourage football development throughout the continent rather than concentrating activities in only a few nations.
The Ordinary General Assembly serves as CAF's highest decision-making meeting, where delegates review the Confederation's activities, discuss governance matters, approve financial reports and deliberate on policies that shape the future of African football.
The gathering also provides an opportunity for football administrators to evaluate ongoing competitions, youth development initiatives, infrastructure projects and commercial strategies aimed at improving the sport across Africa.
Hosting the General Assembly is expected to place Nigeria at the centre of major football discussions while showcasing the country's organisational capacity to senior officials from across the continent.
The event is also expected to attract representatives of FIFA, CAF executives, football federation leaders, sponsors and other international sports stakeholders to Abuja.
Beyond football administration, the General Assembly is expected to generate economic activity through increased demand for hospitality services, transportation, tourism and other business opportunities associated with hosting an international conference.
Nigeria has previously hosted several major football events and continues to play an influential role within African football through its successful national teams and passionate fan base.
The announcement comes as CAF intensifies preparations for upcoming continental competitions and continues implementing reforms designed to strengthen governance, improve infrastructure and expand investment in African football.
During the same briefing, Motsepe reaffirmed CAF's commitment to supporting football development across all member nations, stressing that every country deserves opportunities to benefit from the organisation's programmes and competitions.
Sports analysts believe hosting the General Assembly further enhances Nigeria's reputation as a strategic partner in African football and could strengthen the country's prospects of hosting more continental sporting events in the future.
The meeting is expected to feature discussions on football governance, competitions, infrastructure development, youth football, women's football and commercial growth across the continent.
Football stakeholders have welcomed the announcement, describing it as recognition of Nigeria's enduring contribution to African football and an opportunity to deepen collaboration among member associations.
As preparations begin for the November gathering in Abuja, attention will turn to Nigeria as the continent's football leaders meet to shape the next phase of African football development and strengthen cooperation among CAF's 54 member associations.