The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Nigerian football administrator Samson Adamu as its permanent General Secretary, making him the first Nigerian to occupy the position since the continental governing body was established in 1957.
CAF confirmed the appointment on Sunday, November 1, following approval by its Executive Committee (EXCO), ending a seven-month period in which Adamu served in an acting capacity.
His confirmation follows an extensive recruitment process conducted by the continental football governing body to find a substantive replacement for former General Secretary Véron Mosengo-Omba, who stepped down in March 2026.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the organisation had conducted a comprehensive recruitment exercise, during which the position was widely advertised and several candidates were interviewed before Adamu's appointment was approved.
Adamu initially took over the administrative position on March 29, 2026, following Mosengo-Omba's departure after more than five years in the role.
Before his elevation, Adamu had built his career within CAF, having joined the organisation in 2018 as Director of Competitions before subsequently serving as Director of Tournaments and Events.
In those positions, he played a leading role in coordinating and delivering major continental football competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), CAF's flagship tournament.
His experience also extends to the organisation of other continental competitions, giving him considerable familiarity with CAF's tournament operations, member associations and football administration across Africa.
Adamu is a graduate of the FIFA Master programme in International Management, Law and Humanities of Sport, an international qualification focused on sports management and administration.
As General Secretary, he will oversee CAF's day-to-day administration and support the implementation of strategic decisions made by the organisation's leadership.
His appointment also comes as African football prepares for a busy period, with the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
The tournament will mark the first time the AFCON finals are staged across three countries, requiring coordination between CAF, the three host governments and their respective football federations.
Adamu's experience in tournament management is expected to be relevant to the organisation's preparations and the wider administration of continental competitions.
His predecessor, Mosengo-Omba, announced his decision to step down in March, saying he wanted to devote himself to personal projects after more than 30 years in international professional service.
With his permanent appointment now confirmed, Adamu becomes a central figure in CAF's administration as the organisation continues to oversee competitions and implement its strategic priorities across African football.
