The Confederation of African Football [CAF] has confirmed the appointment of Samson Adamu as the organisation’s new General Secretary on a permanent basis.
The Nigerian administrator took over on an interim basis seven months ago following the departure of Véron Mosengo-Omba.
The Swiss-Congolese administrator, Mosengo-Omba, announced his exit from CAF in March 2026, saying he wanted to devote more time to personal projects after more than three decades in international professional football administration.
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The CAF Executive Committee confirmed Adamu this week. CAF president Patrice Motsepe said the appointment followed a comprehensive recruitment process, during which the position was widely advertised, and several candidates were interviewed.
“Adamu brings extensive experience in African football administration, having joined CAF in 2018 as Director of Competitions before subsequently serving as Director of Tournaments and Events,” said CAF in a statement.
“During his time at CAF, he has played a leading role in the delivery of several major continental competitions, including CAF’s flagship tournament, the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
“A graduate of the FIFA Master programme in International Management, Law and Humanities of Sport, Adamu brings considerable institutional knowledge and experience to his new role, in which he will oversee CAF’s day-to-day administration and support the implementation of its strategic priorities.”
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Adamu becomes the first Nigerian to occupy the organisation’s top administrative position since its establishment in 1957.
Before being appointed as the General Secretary of CAF, Adamu served as Director of Tournaments and Events at the organisation.
According to Nigerian publication blueprint.ng, Adamu is the son of renowned Nigerian sports administrator, Dr Amos Adamu, a former Director-General of the National Sports Commission and former member of CAF’s Executive Committee.
Meanwhile, the news of Adamu’s appointment has been warmly welcomed in Nigeria, with Nigeria Football Federation [NFF] acting general secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme describing the development as good news for the country’s football administration.
“This is, indeed, very good news. I am so happy for Samson Adamu on his confirmation, and I know he is going to make Nigeria and Africa proud,” Ikpeme was quoted by various sports media platforms in Nigeria.
“He is a highly knowledgeable individual who has never stopped improving himself, and he is well-rounded in the business of football administration.”
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