FG: Adamu’s CAF Appointment A Boost For Nigeria’s Sports Diplomacy 

The Federal Government has congratulated Samson Adamu on his confirmation as the substantive Secretary General of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), describing his appointment as a significant milestone for Nigeria and a reflection of the country’s growing presence in international sports administration.

Vice President Kashim Shettima gave the commendation on Tuesday when Adamu paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Adamu was accompanied on the visit by National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Shehu Dikko, Director General Bukola Olopade, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Acting General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme and other senior officials of the NSC and NFF.

Shettima congratulated Adamu, describing his emergence at the highest level of African football administration as evidence of the quality of human resources Nigeria can offer the international sports community.

Adamu, who joined CAF as Director of Competitions in 2018, arrived in Abuja on Tuesday for an executive assessment of Nigeria’s preparations to host two major continental events: the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly on November 21 in Abuja and the 2026 CAF Awards in Lagos on December 10.

On Wednesday, Adamu also visited Dikko, who described him as one of Nigeria’s shining examples of what dedication, professionalism, integrity and continuous self-development can achieve.

Dikko said Adamu’s appointment made him the first Nigerian in CAF’s 69-year history to occupy the position of Secretary General, adding that his emergence reflected his hard work, competence and commitment to African football.

The NSC chairman reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to international sports diplomacy, noting that Nigeria’s hosting of the CAF General Assembly and Awards would strengthen its relationship with the continental governing body while creating economic opportunities in hospitality, tourism and transportation.

He also 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.

Responding, Adamu thanked the NSC leadership for facilitating his engagement with the Vice President and its efforts to strengthen relations between Nigeria and CAF.

He acknowledged the responsibility attached to his new position but expressed confidence that his experience working with three previous CAF Secretaries General had prepared him for the task.

‘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 said.

He also encouraged young African sports professionals to remain committed to their careers, explaining that his experience with the NFF, Nigeria’s domestic league and private sports ventures had contributed to his professional development.

Adamu, meanwhile, commended Nigeria’s preparations for the two CAF events, particularly 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.