Shettima Charges New CAF Secretary General Samson Adamu to Promote African Football, Protect Nigeria’s Interests
Vice President Kashim Shettima has congratulated newly appointed Confederation of African Football (CAF) Secretary General, Samson Adamu, urging him to use his new position to advance African football and protect Nigeria’s interests within the continental football governing body.
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), Mallam Shehu Dikko.
The Vice President described Adamu as a role model for younger Nigerians, noting that his emergence as the first Nigerian to occupy the position in CAF’s 70-year history represents a significant moment for the country.
Conveying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goodwill, Shettima said the President was proud of Adamu and urged him to justify the confidence placed in him.
“The President is proud of you, Samson Adamu. Go and do a yeoman’s job. Go and promote, protect, project and preserve the interest of the Nigerian nation. So Samson, I wish you all the best,” Shettima said.
He also described football as a powerful instrument of national unity, stressing that the sport brings Nigerians together regardless of their ethnic, religious and cultural differences.
“Football especially is a uniting force in this country. Anytime Nigeria plays, it tends to subsume all other identities. Football and sports generally are a source of unity for our country. What binds us together supersedes whatever divides us,” he added.
Shettima further acknowledged the contributions of sports administrators, coaches, talent scouts and institutions responsible for discovering and nurturing Nigerian sporting talents.
He recalled the achievements of Nigerian football legends such as Rashidi Yekini, Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha and Finidi George, noting that their success was built on the efforts of those working behind the scenes.
Earlier, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Federal Government for supporting sports development, saying the government’s commitment had helped strengthen Nigeria’s international sports profile.
He also acknowledged the approval granted for Nigeria to host the CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Abuja on November 21 and the CAF Awards in Lagos on December 10, 2026.
In his response, Adamu thanked the Federal Government for its support, describing his appointment as a historic achievement for Nigeria.
The new CAF Secretary General pledged to draw on his experience as the continental body’s former Director of Competitions to strengthen CAF’s administration and advance African football development.
He also promised to support Nigeria in harnessing its abundant football talents and realising its potential in the global game.
Adamu was confirmed as CAF Secretary General on October 29, 2026, following a recruitment exercise by the continental football governing body.
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