By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: CAF.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the appointment of Nigerian Samson Adamu as the organization’s new secretary general.
Adamu’s appointment follows months of serving in an acting capacity after the resignation of his predecessor, Véron Mosengo-Omba, in March 2026.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe said Adamu’s appointment followed a comprehensive recruitment process, during which the position was widely advertised and several candidates were interviewed.
Adamu has worked at CAF for the last eight years, serving as director of competitions and then director of tournaments and events.
His father Amos Adamu was a member of FIFA’s executive committee but was banned in 2010 for breaching bribery rules.
Previous CAF general secretaries included three generations of Egypt’s Fahmy family, with Mourad Fahmy serving from 1961-1982, his son Mustapha Fahmy from 1982-2010 and grandson Amr Fahmy from 2017-2019.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has welcomed the development, describing it as a major achievement for the country and expressing confidence in Adamu’s ability to deliver in the position.
According to the NFF’s Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, the appointment is well deserved, given Adamu’s knowledge, experience and contributions to football administration.
Ikpeme expressed optimism that the new CAF General Secretary would make Nigeria and the African continent proud, while assuring him of the federation’s support.