The Federal Government has congratulated Samson Adamu following his confirmation as the substantive Secretary-General of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), describing his appointment as a major milestone for Nigeria and a significant boost to the country’s influence in international sports administration.
Latest: NFF hails Samson Adamu over confirmation as CAF General Secretary
Vice-President Kashim Shettima conveyed the government’s congratulatory message on Tuesday when Adamu paid a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Key Highlights
- Federal Government congratulates Samson Adamu on his appointment as CAF Secretary-General.
- Vice-President Kashim Shettima receives Adamu at the Presidential Villa.
- Adamu becomes the first Nigerian to occupy the position in CAF’s 69-year history.
- Nigeria is preparing to host the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Abuja on November 21.
- The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled to hold in Lagos on December 10.
- Government introduces a special budget line to support Nigerians seeking strategic positions in international sports organisations.
Shettima Hails Adamu’s Appointment
Adamu was accompanied by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko. Also present were the NSC Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade; Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme; and other senior sports officials.
Shettima congratulated Adamu, noting that his emergence as head of CAF’s administration demonstrated the quality of Nigerian professionals and their ability to attain leadership positions in international organisations.
Adamu joined CAF as Director of Competitions in 2018. He arrived in Abuja on Tuesday to assess Nigeria’s preparations for two major continental football events scheduled to take place in the country. His confirmation as substantive General Secretary ended a period in which he led CAF’s secretariat in an acting capacity.
The events are the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly, scheduled for Abuja on November 21, and the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony, billed for Lagos on December 10.
Dikko: Adamu’s Appointment a Historic Achievement for Nigeria
On Wednesday, Adamu also visited the NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, who described his appointment as a shining example of what determination, professionalism, diligence, integrity and continuous self-development could achieve.
Dikko said Adamu’s emergence was particularly significant because he is the first Nigerian to occupy the position in CAF’s 69-year history.
He attributed the achievement to Adamu’s competence, hard work and commitment to African football development, adding that it reflected Nigeria’s growing capacity to contribute to international sports leadership.
The NSC chairman reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to sports diplomacy, disclosing that a special budget line had been introduced to support Nigerians seeking strategic positions in international sports organisations.
Nigeria Targets Successful Hosting of CAF Events
Speaking on the forthcoming CAF events, Dikko said hosting the General Assembly and Awards ceremony would strengthen Nigeria’s relationship with the continental football governing body.
He added that the events were expected to generate economic benefits in the hospitality, tourism and transportation sectors.
Dikko expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations and its capacity to deliver successful events.
Responding, Adamu appreciated the NSC leadership for facilitating his engagement with the Vice-President and for its continued efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s relationship with CAF.
He described his new responsibility as enormous, noting that his experience working with three previous CAF Secretaries-General had equipped him with the knowledge required to perform effectively.
“It’s a big responsibility and it’s not only towards Nigeria, my home country; it’s a responsibility towards the 54 member associations that we have in Africa,” he said.
Adamu Encourages Young African Sports Professionals
Adamu also encouraged young African sports professionals to remain committed to their careers.
He explained that his experience with the NFF, Nigeria’s domestic football league and private sports ventures contributed significantly to his professional development.
The NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, equally congratulated Adamu, describing his appointment as a major achievement for Nigeria and African football.
Olopade also commended CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, and the continental football body’s leadership, expressing optimism about the future of the sport in Africa.
“Africa, football has thrown up a great mind and the greatness of our football on the continent is assured,” Olopade said.
Read also:
- NFF Hails Samson Adamu Over Confirmation as CAF General Secretary
- Dikko Assures CAF Of Nigeria’s Readiness To Host General Assembly, 2026 Awards
- CAF To Send 15-Man Team To Nigeria For Final Inspection Ahead Of General Assembly, Awards
CAF Secretary-General Commends Nigeria’s Preparations
Adamu acknowledged Nigeria’s preparations for the two continental events and commended the government’s commitment to providing world-class facilities.
He specifically mentioned the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja and the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos as facilities supporting the hosting arrangements.
Members of his delegation from CAF headquarters included the organisation’s Head of Safety and Security and project lead for the two events, Dr Christian Emeruwa; Head of Accounting Operations, Sadiq Turkson; and Head of Procurement, Lassi Abdoulaye.
Adamu’s appointment marks a significant development for Nigeria’s representation in African football administration. Meanwhile, the forthcoming CAF General Assembly and Awards ceremony are expected to provide further opportunities to strengthen the country’s standing in continental sports diplomacy.
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