Nigeria’s Samson Adamu has been confirmed as the new General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), becoming the first Nigerian to occupy the position in the continental body’s history.
The appointment, announced by CAF on Sunday, November 1, follows a recruitment process in which the position was advertised and several candidates were interviewed.
Adamu had been serving in an acting capacity since March 2026, following the resignation of his predecessor, Véron Mosengo-Omba, who subsequently became president of the football federation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Samson Adamu participating in a CAF football competition draw as Director of Competitions.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe said Adamu’s https://www.cafonline.com/inside-caf/news/caf-confirms-samson-adamu-as-general-secretary-following-extensive-recruitment-process/appointment followed a comprehensive selection process, expressing confidence in his experience and knowledge of African football administration.
The Nigerian administrator brings eight years of experience within CAF, having joined the organisation in 2018 as Director of Competitions before progressing to Director of Tournaments and Events.
In those positions, he played important roles in the organisation and delivery of major continental competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
From Copa Lagos to the leadership of African football
Adamu’s journey in football administration began before his move to CAF.
He was involved in the development of Copa Lagos, an international beach soccer tournament launched in Nigeria in 2011. The competition brought international beach soccer teams to Lagos and helped build the country’s profile in the sport.
The tournament’s success also contributed to Nigeria securing the hosting rights for the 2016 CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations.
His professional background includes sports marketing, event management and competition administration through Kinetic Sport Management, before he joined CAF in 2018.
Adamu also holds a degree in Business Management and Computer Science from the American University of Paris and graduated from the FIFA Master programme in International Management, Law and Humanities of Sport in 2009.
The programme is a postgraduate qualification focused on the management, business, legal and historical dimensions of international sport.
What his new position means for African football
As General Secretary, Adamu will oversee the day-to-day administration of CAF and support the implementation of strategic decisions taken by the organisation’s governing bodies.
The position is central to the operations of African football, involving the coordination of administrative activities, competitions and the organisation’s engagement with its 54 member associations.
His responsibilities will also place him at the centre of the administrative processes supporting major continental competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations and CAF club tournaments.
His confirmation comes at a significant time for African football, as the continental body continues to pursue the development, commercial growth and international competitiveness of the game.
A historic moment for Nigeria
Adamu’s appointment represents a major milestone for Nigeria’s presence in international football administration.
It also places him among a line of influential administrators who have occupied the position, including members of Egypt’s Fahmy family.
Mourad Fahmy served as CAF General Secretary from 1961 to 1982, followed by his son Mustapha Fahmy from 1982 to 2010. Amr Fahmy, Mustapha’s son, later held the position from 2017 to 2019.
Adamu now assumes the responsibility of helping steer the administration of African football at a continental level.
For Nigeria, his rise is more than an individual career achievement. It is an opportunity for the country to have a stronger voice and professional representation within one of Africa’s most influential sporting institutions.
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