CAF Appoints Nigeria’s Samson Adamu as Acting Secretary General

Nigeria’s Samson Adamu has been appointed acting Secretary General of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The decision was ratified by the CAF Congress on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the Giza Palace Hotel in Cairo, Egypt. It ends a 69-year wait for a Nigerian to occupy the powerful administrative seat at the continental body.

Adamu replaces Véron Mosengo-Omba of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mosengo-Omba stepped down after five years in office to focus on personal projects and support football development back home.

Before this elevation, Adamu served as CAF’s Director of Tournaments and Events. He earned respect across the continent for delivering major competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations and inter-club tournaments, with greater efficiency in recent years.

NaijaChoice News reports that the Nigerian Football Federation has already congratulated Adamu. NFF officials described the appointment as a proud milestone for the country.

The National Sports Commission also welcomed the news. Officials called it a landmark moment that highlights the growing influence of Nigerian administrators in global football.

Adamu comes from a well-known football family. He is the son of Dr. Amos Adamu, the former FIFA Executive Committee member who was banned from football following a corruption scandal in 2010.

With his new role, Adamu will oversee CAF’s day-to-day operations, including competitions, governance, and relations with national federations and FIFA.

The appointment arrives at a time when CAF is navigating recent controversies around tournament decisions. Many in Nigerian football circles see it as an opportunity to bring fresh stability and stronger Nigerian representation to the organisation.