By Sandra Kenneth
Nigeria has been selected to host the upcoming Confederation of African Football (CAF) Ordinary General Assembly in November, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe announced on Wednesday.
Speaking during a press briefing in Johannesburg, South Africa, Motsepe lauded Nigeria’s rich sporting history, describing it as a “proud football nation” that plays a vital role in the continent’s sporting ecosystem.
“We are going to meet in Abuja, Nigeria, for the General Assembly in November,” Motsepe stated. “Nigeria is a proud football nation, and there’s a reason why I took it there. We have to do something very special in every one of the 54 countries on the continent.”
Focus on Continental Growth
The CAF chief emphasized that the decision aligns with the governing body’s broader vision to drive football development across all 54 member associations, ensuring equal benefit from CAF’s investments and infrastructure programs.
Motsepe outlined key post–2026 FIFA World Cup initiatives aimed at elevating grassroots and professional football across Africa, highlighting the need for sustained progress in every region.
During the briefing, Motsepe also reflected on Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing regret over the missing presence of the three-time African champions and other continental powerhouses on the global stage.
“A World Cup without Nigeria, without Cameroon, and many others feels incomplete because Nigeria has always made us proud,” Motsepe remarked, calling on African nations to build stronger structures for future international competitions.
African Football’s Supreme Governing Body
The CAF General Assembly serves as the supreme decision-making organ for African football. The November gathering in Abuja will convene federation presidents and key delegates from across the continent to deliberate on governance reforms, competition formats, and strategic investments for the future of African football.
