Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed Nigerian football administrator, Samson Adamu, as its substantive general secretary, making him the first Nigerian to occupy the position in the organisation’s 70-year history.
Gatekeepers News reports that the confirmation, announced on Thursday, October 29, 2026, followed his earlier appointment in an acting capacity after the resignation of his predecessor, Veron Mosengo-Omba, in March.
Adamu’s confirmation was approved by the CAF Executive Committee, according to TheCable.
Before his elevation, the Nigerian served as CAF’s Director of Competitions and later as Director of Tournaments and Events, where he was involved in organising major continental competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and CAF Champions League.
As general secretary, Adamu will oversee the day-to-day administration of the continental football governing body, including legal matters and the implementation of decisions taken by its Executive Committee.
Reacting to the development, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), through its Acting General Secretary, Emmanuel Ikpeme, congratulated Adamu, describing his confirmation as good news for Nigerian football administration.
Ikpeme expressed confidence in his ability to succeed in the position, saying, “I am so happy for Samson Adamu on his confirmation, and I know he is going to make Nigeria and Africa proud.”
He described Adamu as “a highly knowledgeable individual who has never stopped improving himself” and praised his experience in football administration.
NFF also pledged its support for Adamu, saying it would provide the necessary assistance as a member association under CAF.
Adamu’s confirmation marks a historic milestone for Nigeria, which has never had a national occupy the organisation’s top administrative position since its establishment in 1957.
