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 since the organisation was established in 1957.
Gatekeepers News reports that CAF announced the appointment on Sunday, November 1, 2026, following approval by its Executive Committee after a comprehensive recruitment exercise.
Adamu had been serving in an acting capacity since March 2026, following the resignation of his predecessor, Veron Mosengo-Omba, a Swiss-Congolese football administrator.
CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, said the appointment followed a competitive recruitment process in which the position was widely advertised and several candidates were interviewed.
According to Motsepe, Adamu joined CAF in 2018 as Director of Competitions before subsequently serving as Director of Tournaments and Events.
He also played key roles in organising major continental competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
CAF described Adamu as an experienced football administrator with considerable institutional knowledge, noting that he graduated from the FIFA Master programme in International Management, Law and Humanities of Sport.
In his new position, the Nigerian will oversee CAF’s day-to-day administration and support the implementation of the organisation’s strategic priorities.
Meanwhile, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) welcomed the appointment, with its Acting General Secretary, Emmanuel Ikpeme, expressing confidence in Adamu’s ability to succeed.
“This is, indeed, very good news. I am so happy for Samson Adamu on his confirmation, and I know he is going to make Nigeria and Africa proud,” Ikpeme said.
He added that the NFF would provide the necessary support to Adamu in his new role.
