For years, the National Theatre stood as one of Nigeria’s most recognised landmarks and one of its least celebrated venues.
Today, the same building is preparing to welcome Africa’s biggest football stars, proving that national symbols can find new life when history meets opportunity.
ValidViewNetwork reports that the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly the National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, will host the 2026 CAF Awards. The annual ceremony honours Africa’s finest footballers, coaches, clubs and national teams.
Nigeria Returns To The Continental Stage
The confirmation came from Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission. He announced the development during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.
Nigeria last hosted the CAF Awards in 2016.The ceremony took place in Abuja in January 2017. Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez won the Men’s Player of the Year award.Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala claimed the Women’s Player of the Year honour, ValidViewNetwork reports.
A Building Reclaims Its Place
The venue carries significance beyond football. The National Theatre served for decades as a cultural symbol. Many Nigerians recognised the building without entering it.Its renovation transformed it into the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts.
ValidViewNetwork reports that the 2026 CAF Awards will give the revitalised centre its biggest international audience since reopening.
Africa’s Best Will Be Honoured
CAF will present awards across several categories.They include Men’s Player of the Year and Women’s Player of the Year.
Other honours include Young Player, Interclub Player, Coach, National Team and Club of the Year. The awards recognise performances during the 2025 to 2026 football season.
Nigeria’s Sports Diplomacy Gains Momentum
Nigeria will also host the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in October. CAF inspectors have already visited key facilities. The inspection covered Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Officials also visited Eko Hotel and Suites.The visits formed part of preparations for both events, ValidViewNetwork reports.
Attention Turns To Lagos
CAF has not announced the ceremony date.The organisation has also not released the nominees.
Preparations across Lagos are expected to intensify. Hotels, transport operators and tourism businesses are already anticipating increased activity.
Africa’s biggest football night is returning to Nigeria, but the story reaches beyond trophies and applause.
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It marks the return of confidence in the country’s ability to host events of continental importance. It also gives new purpose to a landmark many believed had lost its relevance.
If successfully delivered, the 2026 CAF Awards will not simply celebrate African football. They will announce that one of Nigeria’s greatest cultural monuments has reclaimed its place on Africa’s biggest stage.
