Adamu Makes History As First Nigerian Confirmed CAF General Secretary

Adamu Makes History as First Nigerian Confirmed CAF General Secretary Nigerian football administrator, Samson Adamu, has made history after being confirmed as the substantive General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), becoming the first Nigerian to occupy the position since the organisation was established in 1957.His confirmation was announced on Thursday following approval by CAF’s Executive Committee, months after he assumed the position in an acting capacity. The appointment represents a significant milestone for Nigerian football administration and increases the country’s representation in the leadership of African football’s governing body. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has congratulated Adamu on his confirmation, describing the development as welcome news for Nigerian football. The NFF’s Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, expressed confidence in Adamu’s ability to succeed in the position. Ikpeme said the federation was delighted with the appointment and pledged its support for the Nigerian administrator. He also described Adamu as knowledgeable and well-rounded in football administration, expressing confidence that he would make Nigeria and Africa proud. Before his confirmation, Adamu served as CAF’s Director of Competitions and subsequently as Director of Tournaments and Events. He was appointed Acting General Secretary on March 29, 2026, following the resignation of his predecessor, Veron Mosengo-Omba, a Swiss-Congolese football administrator. During his time at CAF, Adamu played important roles in organising major continental competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and CAF Champions League. His experience in tournament management and football administration contributed to his emergence as the organisation’s substantive administrative head. As General Secretary, Adamu will oversee CAF’s day-to-day administration, legal affairs and implementation of decisions taken by its Executive Committee. CAF, headquartered in Cairo, Egypt, is responsible for managing and developing football across the African continent. Adamu’s confirmation marks a historic moment for Nigeria, which has waited since CAF’s establishment in 1957 to produce the organisation’s General Secretary.