Shettima backs new CAF scribe Adamu to protect Nigeria's interests

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said Nigerians have the ability to run sports at the highest level, pointing to Samson Adamu's new job as the first Nigerian general secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as proof.

Shettima spoke on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he received Adamu and a team led by Shehu Dikko, chairman of the National Sports Commission. The sources differ slightly on the venue, with ThisDay saying the meeting held at the State House.

Adamu was named CAF general secretary on Sunday, 1 November 2026, after a recruitment exercise by the continental body. He will handle CAF's daily administration and was previously its director of competitions.

Shettima said Nigeria's sporting record comes from its people and from the coaches, scouts and officials who spot and grow talent, many of whom he said go unnoticed. He named former stars Rashidi Yekini, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha and Finidi George as examples of talent that was found and developed at home.

He told Adamu to represent Nigeria well in the role. "Go and promote, protect and project and preserve the interest of the Nigerian nation," Shettima said, adding that President Bola Tinubu is proud of the appointment.

The Vice President also said football brings Nigerians together. "Anytime Nigeria plays, it tends to subsume all other identities," he said, adding that what binds Nigerians together is stronger than what divides them.

What happens next

Dikko said the Federal Government has approved Nigeria hosting the CAF General Assembly in November and the CAF Awards in December 2026. He said government support for sports has raised Nigeria's profile abroad and helped draw investment through sporting events and partnerships.

Adamu thanked the government for its backing and said being the first Nigerian in the post in CAF's 70-year history is a matter of national pride. He promised to use his experience to improve how CAF is run and to push African football forward, and said he will help Nigeria develop its football talent.

For ordinary Nigerians, the appointment and the two CAF events give the country a bigger voice in African football and a chance to earn from hosting visitors. Whether that translates into better pitches, funding and opportunities for young players is the test ahead.