The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that its 2026 annual awards ceremony will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 7. This decision was made during a virtual meeting of the CAF Executive Committee (EXCO) on October 2, chaired by CAF President Patrice Motsepe. The event will celebrate outstanding performances in African football, recognizing achievements in various categories.
The CAF EXCO also approved the CAF Competitions Calendar for 2026-2030 and amendments to regulations governing interclub competitions. These changes include allowing players to represent more than one club during a single CAF interclub season and increasing the number of players clubs can register to 40. Additionally, clubs can replace four players during the final registration window, provided they have not featured in any CAF interclub match during the season.
Nigeria will host another major CAF event, the organisation’s Ordinary General Assembly, on November 21. The EXCO also received an update on preparations for the CAF Strategy Conference, scheduled to take place in Sal, Cabo Verde, from October 7 to 9. This conference is expected to address key issues and strategies for the development of African football.
The 2026 CAF Awards will bring together leading footballers, coaches, clubs, and administrators to celebrate outstanding performances in African football. The ceremony recognizes achievements across men’s and women’s football, including categories such as Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Club of the Year. Nigeria has enjoyed considerable success at the awards, particularly in the men’s and women’s Player of the Year categories.
Nigerian players have made a significant impact at the CAF Awards in recent years. Ademola Lookman won the men’s award in 2024, following Victor Osimhen’s triumph in 2023. The 2024 ceremony, held in Marrakech, Morocco, also saw Nigeria’s Super Falcons named Women’s National Team of the Year, while goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie received the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.
The EXCO also approved the dates for the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League, scheduled to run from November 1 to 15. This competition has become a major platform for the development and visibility of women’s football on the continent. Additionally, Senegal will host the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations from November 28 to December 6.
The changes to CAF regulations are expected to influence how clubs approach player recruitment, registration, and squad management in continental competitions. The 2026 CAF Awards and other events will not only celebrate African football excellence but also contribute to the growth and development of the sport across the continent. Key decisions made during the EXCO meeting will have a lasting impact on African football.
Key points
- CAF confirms 2026 Awards ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 7.
- CAF approves new interclub regulations and competition dates.
- Senegal to host 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations.
