… First Nigerian since 1957
Nigerian football administrator Samson Adamu has been confirmed as substantive General Secretary of Confederation of African Football, becoming the first Nigerian to occupy the office in a substantive role since CAF’s establishment in 1957.
The appointment was announced on Sunday, November 1, 2026, after the Executive Committee approval following a competitive recruitment exercise.
Adamu had acted in the same position since March 2026 after the resignation of Veron Mosengo-Omba.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the role was widely advertised and several candidates interviewed before the final decision was made.
Adamu joined CAF in 2018 as Director of Competitions and later served as Director of Tournaments and Events, with key roles in organising Africa Cup of Nations and other continental competitions.
CAF described him as experienced administrator with deep institutional knowledge, noting he is graduate of FIFA Master programme in International Management, Law and Humanities of Sport.
He will now oversee day-to-day administration and implementation of CAF’s strategic priorities.
Reacting, Nigeria Football Federation Acting General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme welcomed confirmation, saying Adamu will make Nigeria and Africa proud and pledged NFF support.