1 hour ago
1
A 15 member delegation of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) 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, is in Nigeria to assess facilities and other arrangements ahead of the two major football events.
The CAF team, accompanied by a six member Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) delegation led by its Director of Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire, inspected key facilities in Abuja.
The facilities visited included the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Transcorp Hilton Hotel and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
During a meeting with the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, the CAF officials discussed accommodation, transportation, immigration procedures, hospitality and other arrangements for the events.
Dikko assured the delegation that the Federal Government was committed to ensuring the successful hosting of both events. He said Nigeria was ready to demonstrate its ability to organise major international sporting gatherings.
The visit was the delegation’s second and final inspection in Nigeria, following an earlier visit to Lagos. The team is expected to submit its findings to CAF management after completing the assessment.
The inspection covered visa and entry procedures for delegates, landing permits, travel documents and coordination among government agencies and event organisers.
The NSC said arrangements for accommodation and transportation in Abuja had been addressed with the support of relevant authorities. Plans for a welcome dinner and other hospitality activities are also being coordinated with event partners and government representatives.
Preparations include setting up a Local Organising Committee (LOC), with its membership expected to be communicated to CAF to improve coordination between both organisations.
The first preparatory delegation is expected to arrive in Nigeria on November 8 ahead of the General Assembly. The current inspection team is expected to complete its assignment and leave Nigeria on November 23.
The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly will take place at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, while the CAF Awards ceremony will be held in Lagos on December 7.
The two events are expected to bring together key figures in African football administration and give Nigeria an opportunity to showcase its ability to host major international sporting events.
The Federal Government, through the NSC and in collaboration with the NFF and other stakeholders, is working to ensure that both events meet CAF’s organisational requirements.
English (US) ·