CAF officials to inspect Ikenne, Sagamu facilities ahead of 2026 African schools football championship
Officials from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) are set to visit Nigeria on Monday to inspect facilities earmarked for the final phase of the 2026 CAF African Schools Football Championship.
The inspections will take place in Ikenne-Remo and Sagamu, Ogun State, on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Director of Media and Communications for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola Olajire, confirmed in a statement on Sunday.
The CAF delegation will evaluate competition venues, training grounds, and other supporting infrastructure in the two towns.
The African Schools Football Championship, launched four years ago, is an annual Under-15 tournament aimed at fostering youth football development and education across Africa.
The competition is open to both boys and girls and is supported by a $10 million investment from the Dr. Patrice Motsepe Foundation.
The tournament features zonal qualifiers culminating in a continental final. In 2024, the finals were held in Accra, Ghana, where Tanzania won the boys’ category and host nation Ghana claimed the girls’ title.
Winners of the championship receive up to $300,000 in infrastructural development support.
The competition also collaborates with organizations such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization to promote health education.
CAF officials expected for the inspection include Omar Amr (Safeguarding), Fatima Elmissaoui (African Schools Football Championship Officer), Herve Dassoundo (Marketing and Branding), Mahmoud Amer (Travel and Logistics), and Diabate Zakarhiya (Safety and Security).
Other members are Hend Thabet (Travel and Accommodation), Joshua Knipp (ASFC Competition), and WAFU B Executive Director Philippe Tchere.
The inspection will focus on the Remo Stars Stadium and training pitches in Ikenne-Remo, as well as FC Ebedei Stadium, training facilities, hospitals, and hotel infrastructure in Sagamu.
