The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has congratulated Mr. Samson Adamu on his confirmation as the substantive General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), describing his elevation as a historic achievement for Nigeria and a significant milestone in African football administration.
Adeboye said Adamu’s emergence as the first Nigerian to occupy the prestigious position in CAF’s 70-year history demonstrates the quality, competence and leadership potential of Nigerian sports professionals on the international stage.
The Presidential aide noted that the appointment is particularly remarkable considering Adamu’s steady progression through various administrative responsibilities within the continental football governing body.
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“Samson Adamu’s confirmation as CAF General Secretary is a proud moment for Nigeria. It is a recognition of professionalism, dedication and competence, and another demonstration that Nigerians possess the capacity to excel at the highest levels of global sports administration,” Adeboye stated.
Adamu joined CAF as Director of Competitions before becoming Director of Tournaments and Events. He was subsequently appointed Acting General Secretary on March 29, 2026, following the resignation of Veron Mosengo-Omba, before his confirmation on Thursday.
Adeboye emphasised that the development should encourage greater investment in sports administration, capacity building and professional training, noting that the growth of Nigerian sports requires more than producing successful athletes.
“As we continue working to strengthen grassroots sports development, we must also pay attention to the administrators, coaches, technical officials and other professionals who sustain the sporting system. The success of Samson Adamu shows that sports administration itself offers enormous opportunities for young Nigerians,” he said.
He stressed that Nigeria must deliberately develop a new generation of sports professionals equipped with the expertise to manage competitions, institutions and development programmes at national and international levels.
According to him, Adamu’s achievement aligns with the broader vision of building a sustainable sporting ecosystem in which talented Nigerians can excel both on and off the field.
The SSA also commended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for celebrating the appointment and expressing its readiness to support Adamu in his new responsibility.
He expressed confidence that Adamu’s wealth of experience in football competitions and tournament administration would contribute positively to the continued growth and transformation of African football.
“This appointment is not only a celebration of one man’s success; it is an inspiration to the next generation of Nigerian sports administrators. We must continue creating opportunities for our young people to develop the knowledge, skills and leadership qualities required to succeed internationally,” Adeboye added.
He wished the new CAF General Secretary wisdom, strength and a successful tenure, expressing optimism that he would make Nigeria and the African football community proud.
“I congratulate Samson Adamu on this well-deserved elevation and pray that Almighty God grants him the wisdom and courage to discharge his responsibilities with excellence, integrity and distinction,” Adeboye concluded.
