CAF confirms Nigerian Samson Adamu as general secretary

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed Nigerian Samson Adamu as its substantive general secretary, a post he had held in an acting capacity since March this year.

The confirmation, announced on Thursday, makes him the first Nigerian to serve as CAF's chief operating officer in the body's 70-year history, according to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Adamu joined the Cairo-based organisation as Director of Competitions and later served as Director of Tournaments and Events. He was named acting general secretary on Sunday, 29 March, after the resignation of Swiss-Congolese Veron Mosengo-Omba.

Why it matters

For Nigerian football, the appointment puts a home-grown administrator at the centre of decision-making in African football, from competition rules to how money and hosting rights are shared among member associations.

The NFF's Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, said the federation was delighted with the news.

"This is, indeed, very good news. I am so happy for Samson Adamu on his confirmation," Ikpeme said.

He described Adamu as a highly knowledgeable individual who has kept improving himself and is well-rounded in football administration.

Ikpeme added that the NFF would give Adamu all the necessary support as a member association under CAF.

"We wish him tremendous success in the job," he said.

What happens next

Adamu now moves from acting to substantive head of CAF's administration, working with the continental body's leadership on competitions and day-to-day operations.

For Nigerian clubs, players and fans, his tenure will be watched closely on issues that touch them directly, including continental competition slots and the hosting of matches.