The newly appointed Acting General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Samson Adamu, has expressed his determination to leave a lasting legacy as he assumes one of the most influential administrative roles in African football.
Adamu was appointed on Sunday, March 29, 2026, during a CAF Executive Committee meeting held at the Giza Palace Hotel in Cairo. His nomination, put forward by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, was subsequently ratified by the committee.
Speaking on his appointment, Adamu conveyed both pride and a deep sense of responsibility.
I am elated by this appointment. I am determined to serve African football with humility, integrity, and professionalism,” he stated.
Adamu’s journey in football administration has been driven by passion and innovation. Fifteen years ago, he founded COPA Lagos, an international invitational beach soccer tournament that brought top teams from across the world to Nigeria. The competition quickly gained global recognition for its high standards in organization, marketing, officiating, and entertainment, ultimately contributing to Nigeria hosting the 2016 CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations.
His proven track record and leadership qualities earned him a role within CAF in Cairo, where he served as Director of Competitions before being promoted to Director of Tournaments and Events.
With his latest appointment, Adamu makes history as the first Nigerian, and indeed the first West African to occupy the position of CAF General Secretary in the organization’s 69-year history.
He is also the son of Dr. Amos Adamu, a prominent figure in Nigerian, African, and global sports administration. Dr. Adamu held several high-profile roles, including Sole Administrator of the Nigeria Football Association (now Nigeria Football Federation), Director of Sports Development at the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Director General of the National Sports Commission.
He played a key role in organizing the 8th All-Africa Games hosted by Nigeria in 2003 and was elected into both the CAF Executive Committee and the FIFA Executive Committee. He also contributed significantly to Nigeria’s hosting of the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship and the co-hosting of the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana.
As Samson Adamu steps into his new role, expectations are high that his experience, vision, and commitment will further strengthen the administration and growth of football across the African continent.
