Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has tasked newly appointed Confederation of African Football (CAF) Secretary-General Samson Adamu to distinguish himself through exemplary leadership and service to African football.

Shettima gave the charge on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, when he received Adamu alongside a delegation led by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko.

The Vice President congratulated Adamu on his appointment, describing his emergence as the first Nigerian to occupy the position in CAF’s 70-year history as further evidence of the country’s capacity to produce leaders for international sports administration.

He said Nigerians possess the talent and expertise to occupy influential positions in global sports, adding that the country’s achievements on the international stage reflect the quality of its people and the institutions that identify and develop sporting talent.

“Our nation has earned its place in the world of sports. We have flown our flag in arenas where few expected us to perform magic, and we have made the impossible appear almost familiar, fundamentally because of the quality of our people,” Shettima said.

Conveying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goodwill, the Vice President described Adamu as a role model for younger Nigerians and urged him to approach his new responsibilities with diligence, integrity and national pride.

“The President is proud of you, Samson Adamu. Go and do a yeoman’s job. Go and promote, protect, project and preserve the interests of the Nigerian nation,” he said.

Shettima also highlighted the unifying power of football in Nigeria, noting that the sport often brings citizens together beyond ethnic, religious and social differences.

He further acknowledged the contributions of sports administrators, coaches, talent scouts and institutions whose work often goes unrecognised but remains fundamental to the development of successful athletes.

He referenced Nigerian football legends such as Rashidi Yekini, Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha and Finidi George, stressing that their achievements were supported by the people and structures responsible for discovering and nurturing their talents.

Earlier, Dikko expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Federal Government for their support for sports development, saying the administration’s commitment had strengthened Nigeria’s international sporting profile and helped attract investment through sports.

The NSC chairman also welcomed Adamu’s appointment as a significant milestone for Nigerian sports administration and thanked the Federal Government for approving Nigeria’s hosting of the CAF General Assembly in November and the CAF Awards in December 2026.

In his response, Adamu thanked the Federal Government for its support, describing his appointment as a source of national pride.

The new CAF Secretary-General pledged to draw on his experience as the continental body’s former Director of Competitions to strengthen its administration and contribute to the development of African football.

He also expressed his commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to harness its abundant football talent and maximise its potential on the continental and global stages.

Adamu was appointed CAF Secretary-General on Sunday, November 1, following a recruitment process by the continental governing body. He is expected to oversee the day-to-day administration of CAF.