The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has announced a change in date for its highly anticipated 2026 Awards ceremony. Initially set for December 7, the event will now take place on December 2. The organization confirmed the new date via its social media channels, but did not provide a reason for the rescheduling.
The CAF Awards is a premier event in African football, bringing together the continent's top players, coaches, and teams to celebrate their achievements. This year's ceremony will be held at the Professor Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Arts, also known as the National Theatre, in Lagos, Nigeria. The event returns to Lagos for the first time since 2014 and promises to be a grand celebration of African football, combining the passion of the sport with the continent's rich cultural heritage, music, and entertainment.
The 2026 CAF Awards will honor excellence in 18 categories, with the CAF Men's Player of the Year and CAF Women's Player of the Year awards being the most prestigious. The ceremony will also recognize outstanding contributions from coaches, goalkeepers, emerging talents, clubs, and national teams. Their performances have inspired millions of football fans across Africa and globally.
The list of contenders for the CAF Men's Player of the Year award features several top African players. Achraf Hakimi, who won the award in 2025, is back to defend his title. He faces stiff competition from compatriots Ismaël Saibari and Brahim Diaz, as well as Senegalese players Ismaïla Sarr, Pape Gueye, and Sadio Mané. Other contenders include Ivorian Amad Diallo, Congolese Yoane Wissa, Ghanaian Antoine Semenyo, and South African Teboho Mokoena.
The choice of venue for the 2026 CAF Awards, Lagos, Nigeria, is significant. Nigeria's largest city offers a fitting stage for the celebration of African football. The event is expected to bring together Africa's leading football personalities for an unforgettable night of recognition and celebration.
The rescheduling of the CAF Awards to December 2 may impact the preparations of the contenders and the host city. However, the event promises to be a grand celebration of African football, honoring the achievements of the continent's top players, coaches, and teams.
The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony will take place on December 2 at the Professor Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Arts in Lagos, Nigeria. The event will be a significant celebration of African football, with top players, coaches, and teams in attendance.
Key points
- The CAF Awards ceremony has been rescheduled to December 2, 2026.
- The event will be held at the Professor Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Arts in Lagos, Nigeria.
- The ceremony will honor excellence in 18 categories, including the CAF Men's Player of the Year and CAF Women's Player of the Year awards.
Reporting sources
- CAF moves 2026 Awards to December 2 · The Sun
