In a landmark moment for African sports administration, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially confirmed Nigerian administrator Samson Adamu as its substantive General Secretary on Sunday, November 1, 2026. The decision makes Adamu the first Nigerian in history to occupy the executive role. ​
The official announcement was released at 3:00 PM. from CAF Headquarters in 6th of October City, Cairo, sealing Adamu’s transition from his interim role. He had served as Acting General Secretary since March 29, 2026, stepping in following the sudden resignation of former General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba. ​
The continent’s governing body noted that Adamu’s administrative performance during his seven-month acting period demonstrated the executive capabilities required to lead CAF’s secretariat. CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe praised the appointment, stating that Adamu’s vision for administrative efficiency, commitment to governance reforms, and dedication to transparency align directly with the strategic goals of the confederation.
​Reactions to the confirmation poured in across African football governing bodies. Speaking from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Secretariat at the Sunday Dankaro House in Abuja, NFF Acting General Secretary Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme expressed enthusiasm for the appointment, noting that Adamu brings years of expertise in competitions management and executive leadership that will make both Nigeria and the continent proud.
​Adamu, an alumnus of the FIFA Master postgraduate program in sports management and law, previously served as CAF Director of Competitions and led Kinetic Sports, where he organized high-profile events such as Copa Lagos.
In his permanent position, Adamu will oversee administrative operations across CAF’s 54 member associations, drive structural and financial governance reforms, and manage organisational preparation for upcoming continental flagship tournaments, including the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations.
