The Federal Government has described Samson Adamu’s confirmation as the substantive Secretary General of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a landmark achievement for Nigeria and evidence of its increasing influence in international sports administration.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima made the remarks on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by Adamu at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. Adamu was accompanied by National Sports Commission (NSC) chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, NSC director general Bukola Olopade, NFF acting general secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme and senior officials from the NSC and Nigeria Football Federation.
Shettima congratulated Adamu, saying his rise to one of the leading positions in African football administration demonstrated the quality of Nigerians contributing to institutions around the world.
Adamu joined CAF as Director of Competitions in 2018 and travelled to Abuja on Tuesday to assess Nigeria’s preparations for two of the organisation’s major events. The 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly will be held in Abuja on 21st November, while the 2026 CAF Awards are scheduled for Lagos on 10th December.
Government backs sports diplomacy
Adamu met Dikko again on Wednesday at the NSC, where he was welcomed as “one of us” and praised as an example of what can be achieved through perseverance, professionalism, hard work, personal development and integrity.
Dikko said Adamu’s appointment made him the first Nigerian to hold the position in CAF’s 69-year history. He added that the new secretary general had secured the role through competence, dedication and sustained service to the African game.
Nigeria’s sports diplomacy was also highlighted as part of the government’s wider commitment to supporting its citizens in influential international sports roles. Dikko said hosting the CAF Assembly and Awards would deepen the country’s relationship with CAF and benefit the hospitality, tourism and transport sectors.
He also revealed that the Federal Government had created a special budget line for international sports diplomacy.
Adamu thanked the NSC leadership for arranging his meeting with the Vice-President and for its efforts to strengthen relations between Nigeria and CAF. He said he was approaching his new role with humility, but had gained valuable experience from working with three previous CAF secretaries general.
“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 urged young African sports professionals to remain committed to their careers. He said his work with the Nigeria Football Federation, the country’s domestic league and private sports ventures had helped shape his development.
Olopade called the appointment a major achievement for Nigerian and African sport, while congratulating CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and the organisation’s leadership.
“Africa, football has thrown up a great mind and the greatness of our football on the continent is assured,” he said.
Adamu praised Nigeria’s preparations and its investment in facilities, including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja and the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos.
His CAF delegation included Dr Christian Emeruwa, head of safety and security and project lead for both events, head of accounting operations Sadiq Turkson and head of procurement Lassi Abdoulaye.