A senior Nigeria football administrator, Samson Adamu, has been appointed as the acting secretary general of Africa’s governing football body (CAF), marking a historic first for the country.
Samson Adamu was named Acting Secretary General of the Confederation of African Football on Sunday, becoming the first Nigerian to occupy the role since the organisation was established roughly 70 years ago.
His appointment follows the resignation of Veron Mosengo-Omba, who stepped down from the position on the same day.
CAF confirmed that Mr Adamu’s name had been proposed by its Executive Committee before being formally approved by the Congress during a meeting held on Sunday, 29 March 2026. The gathering took place at the Giza Palace Hotel in Cairo, Egypt.
Mr Adamu steps into the role after serving as CAF’s Director of Tournaments and Events, a position in which he oversaw key competitions and organisational activities across the continent.
His elevation to acting secretary general places him at the centre of CAF’s administrative and strategic operations during a period of transition.
The secretary general role is one of the most senior administrative positions within Africa’s football governing body, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of the organisation, implementing decisions taken by its leadership, and coordinating football development activities across Africa.
Mr Mosengo-Omba’s resignation created an immediate vacancy, prompting swift action to ensure continuity. By appointing an acting secretary general, the organisation aims to maintain stability while determining longer-term arrangements for the role.
The decision by the Executive Committee to nominate Mr Adamu, followed by ratification by the Congress, reflects the governance of CAF, procedures, where major appointments require endorsement from member associations.
Mr Adamu’s appointment is also notable for its symbolic significance. Despite the long standing influence of Nigeria in African football, both on and off the pitch, no Nigerian had previously held the secretary general position in CAF’s history until now.
Having worked closely with CAF’s competitions and events, Mr Adamu is expected to bring operational experience to the role. His familiarity with the organisation’s internal structures and tournament management processes may prove crucial as he assumes his new responsibilities.
The appointment comes at a time when CAF continues to manage a wide range of football activities across the continent, including tournaments, development programmes, and administrative reforms.
Further information is expected to be provided when CAF President Motsepe meets the media later on Sunday.
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