Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the newly appointed General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football, Samson Adamu, to protect Nigeria’s interests while contributing to the development of football across Africa.
Shettima gave the charge on Tuesday at the State House, Abuja, while receiving Adamu and a delegation led by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko. He described the appointment as a major milestone and said Nigeria had the talent and expertise to produce leaders capable of succeeding in international sports administration.
The Vice President, who conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill, urged Adamu to carry out his duties with integrity, diligence and national pride. He said, “Go and promote, protect, project and preserve the interest of the Nigerian nation.”
Shettima also described football as an important source of national unity, noting that it brings Nigerians together across ethnic, religious and political differences. He cited the achievements of former football stars such as Rashidi Yekini, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha and Finidi George, while recognising the contributions of coaches, scouts and administrators in developing sporting talent.
Dikko described Adamu’s emergence as CAF General Secretary as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s presence in international sports administration. He also commended the Federal Government’s support for sports development and highlighted its approval for Nigeria to host the CAF General Assembly in November and the CAF Awards in December 2026.
Adamu thanked the government for its support, describing his appointment as both an honour and a responsibility. He noted that he was the first Nigerian to become CAF General Secretary in the organisation’s 70-year history and pledged to strengthen its administration and accelerate football development across the continent.
Adamu was appointed on Sunday, November 1, 2026, following a recruitment exercise by CAF. Having previously served as the organisation’s Director of Competitions, he will now oversee its day-to-day administration and support efforts to develop African football.
