Nigeria’s Samson Adamu has made history as he was appointed Acting Secretary General of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), more than seven decades after the organisation was founded.
The announcement was made official on Sunday, March 29, through a statement by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Adamu succeeds Véron Mosengo-Omba, who stepped down to contest the presidential election of DR Congo’s football federation, FECOFA.
Before his appointment, Adamu served as CAF’s Director of Tournaments and Events, playing a key role in organising major continental competitions. “His nomination was proposed by the CAF Executive Committee and ratified at the congress meeting in Cairo on March 29, 2026,” NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire confirmed.
The NFF celebrated the milestone on 𝕏, posting: “Congratulations to our own Samson Adamu on his appointment as Acting General Secretary of CAF.”
As Acting Secretary General, Adamu will lead CAF’s General Secretariat, managing daily operations, supervising staff, overseeing competitions, and ensuring governance and financial standards are upheld. He will also represent CAF in engagements with FIFA and national associations.
Adamu’s appointment is seen as a significant boost for Nigeria’s influence in African football governance. While Nigerians have held senior positions in CAF before—such as former vice-president Amaju Pinnick—none had reached the organisation’s top administrative post.
CAF is currently undergoing a transition following Mosengo-Omba’s departure, and Adamu is expected to provide continuity and stability until a permanent Secretary General is appointed at the next General Assembly.
Since its establishment in 1957, CAF’s secretariat leadership has largely been dominated by North African officials, with Mosengo-Omba being the first non-North African in the role prior to stepping down.
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