The Federal Government has congratulated Samson Adamu on his confirmation as Secretary-General of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), describing his appointment as a significant achievement for Nigeria and a reflection of the country’s growing influence in international sports administration.
Vice President Kashim Shettima gave the commendation on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by Adamu to the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Adamu was accompanied by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade, NFF Acting General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme and other officials of the NSC and NFF.
Shettima congratulated Adamu, noting that his rise to a leading position in African football administration demonstrates the quality of Nigerian professionals and their capacity to excel internationally.
Adamu, who joined CAF as Director of Competitions in 2018, arrived in Abuja on Tuesday to assess Nigeria’s preparations for two major continental football events: the CAF Ordinary General Assembly scheduled for November 21 in Abuja and the 2026 CAF Awards scheduled for December 10 in Lagos.
On Wednesday, Adamu also paid a courtesy visit to the NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, who welcomed him as “one of us” and described his achievement as an example of what can be attained through tenacity, diligence, professionalism, commitment to self-development and integrity.
Dikko described Adamu’s appointment as the first Nigerian to occupy the position in CAF’s 69-year history, adding that it demonstrated the ability of Nigerians to excel in international sports leadership.
He said Adamu earned the position through hard work, competence and dedication to African football, while highlighting the Federal Government’s commitment to international sports diplomacy.
Dikko also expressed confidence in Nigeria’s readiness to host the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly and the CAF Awards, noting that the events would strengthen the country’s relationship with CAF and create economic opportunities in the hospitality, tourism and transport sectors.
He further disclosed that the Federal Government had introduced a special budget line for international sports diplomacy to support Nigerians seeking influential positions in global sports organisations.
In his remarks, Adamu thanked the NSC leadership for facilitating his engagement with the Vice President and its continued efforts to strengthen relations between Nigeria and CAF.
Speaking on his new responsibility, he said he was approaching the role with humility, adding that his experience working with three previous CAF Secretaries-General had prepared him for the position.
“It’s a big responsibility and it’s not only towards Nigeria, my home country; it’s a responsibility towards the 54 member associations that we have in Africa.”
Adamu also encouraged young African sports professionals to remain committed to their careers, noting that his experience with the Nigeria Football Federation, the country’s domestic league and private sports ventures had contributed to his professional development.
The NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, also praised Adamu’s appointment, describing it as a major achievement for Nigerian and African sports.
Congratulating CAF President Patrice Motsepe and the leadership of the continental football governing body, Olopade expressed optimism about the future of African football.
“Africa, football has thrown up a great mind and the greatness of our football on the continent is assured,” he said.
Adamu acknowledged Nigeria’s preparations to host the two events, commending the government’s commitment to providing world-class facilities, including the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja and the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos.
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