The Federal Government has charged Samson Adamu, the first Nigerian to become Secretary-General of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), to use his new position to promote the development of football across the continent and strengthen Nigeria’s standing in international sports administration.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima gave the charge on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, when he received Adamu alongside a delegation led by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko.

Shettima congratulated Adamu on his confirmation as the substantive head of CAF’s administration, describing his emergence as further evidence of Nigeria’s capacity to produce professionals capable of occupying influential positions in global sports, blueprint reports.

He urged the new CAF chief administrator to distinguish himself through exemplary leadership, commitment and service to African football, while remaining conscious of the responsibility his position places on him as a representative of Nigeria.

“I noted that Nigerians possess the talent and capacity to occupy leadership positions in global sports. Indeed, the appointment of Mr Samson Adamu as the first Nigerian General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is further evidence of the country’s potential for international leadership,” the Vice-President said.

Shettima added that Nigeria had established its place in international sports through the quality and achievements of its people, stressing that the country’s successes were not limited to athletes but also reflected the contributions of administrators and institutions responsible for identifying, nurturing and projecting sporting talents.

“Our nation has earned its place in the world of sports. We have flown our flag in arenas where few expected us to perform magic, and we have made the impossible appear almost familiar, fundamentally because of the quality of our people,” he said.

Conveying President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill, Shettima described Adamu as a role model for younger Nigerians and urged him to make a positive impact in his new assignment.

“The President is proud of you, Samson Adamu. Go and do a yo-man’s job. Go and promote, protect, project and preserve the interest of the Nigerian nation,” he said.

The Vice-President also described football as a unifying force in Nigeria, noting that the sport has a unique ability to bring people together across ethnic, religious and other social differences.

According to him, whenever the national team plays, Nigerians often set aside their differences and rally behind the country, demonstrating the importance of sports in promoting national unity.

He further acknowledged the contributions of sports administrators, coaches and other professionals whose efforts behind the scenes create the conditions for athletes to excel.

Adamu makes history at CAF

Adamu’s confirmation as CAF Secretary-General marks a historic development for Nigerian football administration, as he becomes the first Nigerian to occupy the organisation’s top administrative position since its establishment in 1957.

CAF announced his appointment on November 1, following a recruitment process approved by its Executive Committee.

CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, said the organisation had conducted a comprehensive recruitment exercise in which the position was widely advertised and several candidates interviewed before Adamu was selected.

The appointment followed his service as Acting General Secretary from March 2026, after the departure of his predecessor, Veron Mosengo-Omba.

His confirmation gives him responsibility for overseeing the organisation’s day-to-day administration and supporting the implementation of its strategic priorities.

The General Secretary’s office occupies a central position in CAF’s administrative structure. It is responsible for coordinating the organisation’s operations and ensuring that decisions taken by its governing bodies are translated into programmes and activities.

The office also works with CAF’s 54 member associations and other football stakeholders in the administration of competitions, development initiatives and other activities aimed at strengthening the game across Africa.

Adamu’s emergence is particularly significant for Nigeria, which has a long history of participation and achievement in African football but had not previously occupied the continental body’s top administrative office.

From tournament administration to continental leadership

Before his elevation, Adamu had spent eight years working within CAF, having joined the organisation in 2018 as Director of Competitions.

He later served as Director of Tournaments and Events, where he was involved in the planning, coordination and delivery of major football competitions across the continent.

CAF credited him with playing a leading role in the organisation of several major tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the organisation’s flagship national-team competition.

His experience in tournament administration has given him considerable familiarity with the operational demands of African football, from competition planning and logistics to coordination with national football associations and other stakeholders.

Adamu also holds a qualification from the FIFA Master programme in International Management, Law and Humanities of Sport, an international course focused on the administration and management of the sports industry.

His involvement in football administration predates his appointment at CAF. Through the establishment of the Copa Lagos beach soccer tournament, he contributed to efforts to expand the visibility of alternative football competitions in Nigeria.

The tournament’s success helped position Nigeria to host the 2016 CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, further demonstrating his experience in developing and delivering sporting events.

His progression from tournament organiser to Director of Competitions, Director of Tournaments and Events, Acting General Secretary and now substantive General Secretary reflects his growing responsibilities within African football administration.

Nigeria prepares to host major CAF events

The meeting at the Presidential Villa also comes as Nigeria prepares to host two major CAF events before the end of the year: the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Abuja on November 21 and the 2026 CAF Awards in Lagos on December 7.

Dikko, who led the delegation, acknowledged the Federal Government’s support for sports development and Nigeria’s growing engagement with international sports institutions.

He described Adamu’s appointment as a significant milestone for the country and an opportunity to further project Nigerian capacity in football administration.

The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly is scheduled to take place at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja. It is expected to bring together representatives of CAF’s 54 member associations and other stakeholders to review the organisation’s activities and deliberate on institutional and football-related matters.

The CAF Awards, scheduled for Lagos in December, will bring together players, coaches, football administrators and other personalities to recognise outstanding performances and contributions to African football during the year.

A 15-member CAF inspection delegation had visited Nigeria in October to assess facilities and logistics for the two events. The assessment covered arrangements relating to accommodation, transportation, security, airport operations and coordination among relevant government agencies and event organisers.

The National Sports Commission, working with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and other stakeholders, is coordinating preparations for the events.

Nigeria’s hosting of the General Assembly and CAF Awards provides an opportunity to engage directly with football leaders from across the continent and showcase the country’s capacity to organise major international sporting gatherings.

For Adamu, the new appointment comes with expectations extending beyond his personal career achievement. His leadership will be closely watched as he assumes responsibility for the administration of African football at a time when the continent continues to pursue stronger competitions, improved governance, increased commercial value and wider global recognition.

Shettima’s message, therefore, places both a national and continental expectation on the new General Secretary: to justify the confidence placed in him through effective leadership and contribute to the growth of African football.