Nigerian football administrator Samson Adamu has  been appointed the permanent General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), following his tenure as acting head of the continental governing body’s administration, SavidNews understands. 

Adamu’s  appointment would mark a significant milestone for Nigerian football administration, making him the first Nigerian to occupy the position on a permanent basis.

He assumed the acting role in March 2026 after Véron Mosengo-Omba stepped down following more than five years as CAF General Secretary. CAF had initially announced that Adamu would serve on an interim basis while the process of appointing a substantive successor was undertaken. 

Before his elevation to the General Secretariat, Adamu served as CAF’s Director of Tournaments and Events, having built extensive experience in the planning and delivery of competitions across the continent.

His responsibilities included coordinating tournament operations and working with national associations and other stakeholders to deliver CAF competitions.

Adamu also played a role in the development of beach soccer in Nigeria through the COPA Lagos invitational tournament, which helped strengthen the country’s profile in the discipline.

The General Secretary’s office is central to CAF’s daily operations, supporting the implementation of decisions taken by the organisation’s leadership and coordinating its administrative activities across Africa.

His confirmation in the position would represent a transition from interim leadership to a substantive appointment at a time when CAF continues to manage major continental competitions and administrative responsibilities.

Mosengo-Omba, who announced his departure in March, said he was stepping down to devote more time to personal projects. CAF President Patrice Motsepe thanked him for his contribution to African football. 

Adamu’s appointment, if formally confirmed by CAF, would further raise Nigeria’s profile within the continental football administration structure.