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

Vice President Kashim Shettima has asked Samson Adamu, the new General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), to use his position to develop African football while protecting Nigeria's interests.

Shettima gave the charge when he received Adamu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Reports differ on the day of the meeting: The Sun and The Nation reported it took place on Tuesday, while Leadership reported it was on Wednesday.

Adamu was appointed on Sunday, 1 November 2026, after a recruitment exercise, becoming the first Nigerian to hold the position in CAF's 70-year history.

According to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Shettima conveyed President Bola Tinubu's goodwill and urged Adamu to serve with integrity and pride.

"Go and promote, protect, project and preserve the interest of the Nigerian nation," the Vice President said, according to the statement.

Shettima described football as a unifying force in Nigeria, saying that when the national team plays, other differences fade. He also praised the coaches, scouts and institutions that nurture Nigerian talent, recalling stars like Rashidi Yekini, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha and Finidi George.

What happens next

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, who led the delegation to the Villa, said Adamu's appointment is a milestone for Nigerian sports administration. He thanked the Federal Government for approving Nigeria's hosting of the CAF General Assembly in November and the CAF Awards in December 2026.

NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade said the appointment comes as the commission implements reforms to reposition Nigerian sports, and pledged the commission's support for Adamu.

Adamu, a former CAF Director of Competitions, thanked the Federal Government for its support and pledged to use his experience to strengthen CAF's administration and help Nigerian football talent reach its full potential.

For ordinary Nigerians, a Nigerian at the helm of CAF's day-to-day administration could mean stronger representation when decisions are made on competitions, hosting rights and funding for African football. The CAF General Assembly and Awards later this year will also put Nigeria in the spotlight as a host.