Vice President Kashim Shettima has charged newly appointed Confederation of African Football (CAF) General Secretary Samson Adamu to protect Nigeria’s interests while promoting the development of football across Africa.
Shettima gave the charge on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while receiving Adamu, who was accompanied by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, and other sports administrators.
The Vice President described Adamu’s emergence as a significant achievement for Nigeria, urging him to approach his new responsibilities with integrity, diligence and a strong sense of national pride.
Conveying President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill, Shettima said the government expected the Nigerian administrator to distinguish himself through effective leadership and ensure that the country’s interests were adequately represented within the continental football governing body.
According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima told Adamu:
“The President is proud of you, Samson Adamu. Go and do a yeoman’s job. Go and promote, protect, project and preserve the interest of the Nigerian nation. Samson, I wish you all the best.”
Shettima noted that Nigeria had consistently demonstrated its sporting potential through the achievements of its athletes and administrators on the international stage.
“Our nation has earned its place in the world of sports. We have flown our flag in arenas where few expected us to perform magic, and we have made the impossible appear almost familiar, fundamentally because of the quality of our people,” he said.
The Vice President also highlighted football’s importance as an instrument of national unity, noting that the sport regularly brings Nigerians together regardless of their ethnic, religious and political differences.
He said the enthusiasm generated whenever the national team plays demonstrates the strength of the country’s shared identity.
Shettima also recognised the contributions of coaches, scouts, administrators and sporting institutions, stressing that Nigeria’s sporting achievements were built on the efforts of people whose contributions often receive little public recognition.
Recalling the accomplishments of Nigerian football legends, including Rashidi Yekini, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha and Finidi George, he said their successes reflected the dedication of those who discovered and nurtured their talents.
Earlier, Dikko described Adamu’s appointment as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s representation in international sports administration.
He commended the Tinubu administration for supporting sports development, arguing that government involvement was helping strengthen Nigeria’s international sporting profile and attract investment opportunities.
Dikko also acknowledged the Federal Government’s approval for Nigeria to host two major CAF events: the continental body’s 48th Ordinary General Assembly in Abuja on November 21 and the 2026 CAF Awards in Lagos on December 7.
The two events are expected to bring football administrators, players, officials and other stakeholders from across Africa to Nigeria. Preparations have included inspections of proposed venues and supporting facilities by CAF officials.
In his response, Adamu thanked the Federal Government for its support, describing his appointment as an honour and a responsibility.
He said becoming the first Nigerian to occupy the substantive General Secretary position in CAF’s history was a source of national pride.
Adamu pledged to draw on his experience within the organisation to strengthen its administration and accelerate football development across the continent.
The new CAF chief administrator also expressed his commitment to supporting efforts to maximise Nigeria’s abundant football talent and improve the country’s standing in continental and international competitions.
CAF announced Adamu’s appointment on Sunday, November 1, following a recruitment exercise approved by its Executive Committee. He had served as acting General Secretary since March 2026, following the departure of his predecessor, Véron Mosengo-Omba.
Adamu joined CAF in 2018 as Director of Competitions before subsequently becoming Director of Tournaments and Events.
During his eight years with the continental body, he played significant roles in organising major competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the appointment followed a comprehensive recruitment process in which the position was widely advertised and several candidates were interviewed.
His new position places him at the centre of CAF’s administrative operations, with responsibility for overseeing its day-to-day activities and supporting the implementation of decisions and strategic priorities.
His appointment also comes at a significant time for Nigerian football, with the country preparing to host two major continental football events before the end of 2026.
