The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed Nigerian administrator Samson Adamu as its permanent secretary-general, marking a new chapter in the organisation’s leadership.

Adamu, who had been performing the duties in an acting capacity, has now officially taken on the position, succeeding Veron Mosengo-Omba, who has since become head of the Democratic Republic of Congo Football Federation.

In a statement released on November 1, 2026, CAF announced that Adamu’s appointment had been approved by the organisation’s Executive Committee during a meeting held this week. He had been serving as acting secretary-general since March 2026.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe explained that the decision followed an extensive recruitment process, which included publicly advertising the position and interviewing several candidates.

Adamu initially stepped into the role in March 2026 following Mosengo-Omba’s resignation, taking responsibility during a period of transition within African football’s governing body.

Before becoming acting secretary-general, Adamu held several important positions within CAF’s competition administration department, including Director of Competitions, where he was responsible for coordinating and organising tournaments across the continent.

He joined CAF in 2018 as Director of Competitions and later took on the role of Director of Tournaments and Events, building considerable experience in African football administration.

Throughout his career at CAF, Adamu has been closely involved in organising several major continental competitions, including the organisation’s flagship event, the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

He holds a qualification from the FIFA Master programme in International Management, Law and Humanities of Sport, bringing valuable institutional experience and knowledge to his new position. As secretary-general, he will be responsible for overseeing CAF’s daily operations and helping implement its long-term strategic objectives.

Adamu began his professional career with Kinetic Sport Management, where he spent several years working in sports administration. During that period, he contributed to the organisation and development of Copa Lagos, an international beach soccer tournament hosted in Nigeria.

He studied Business Management and Computer Science at the American University of Paris before completing the FIFA Master programme in 2009. The postgraduate course focuses on sports management, law and humanities and is organised by the International Centre for Sports Studies in partnership with several European universities.

FUFA Congratulates Adamu on His Appointment

Meanwhile, the president of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has congratulated CAF president Patrice Motsepe following Adamu’s confirmation as the organisation’s new permanent secretary-general.

In his congratulatory message, FUFA president Moses Magogo praised Adamu’s academic qualifications, professional background and deep understanding of African football, describing him as an outstanding choice for the position.

“His FIFA Master, experience, knowledge of African football, composure, fair-mindedness, attention to detail and humility make him second to none for this role,” Magogo said.

Magogo also expressed confidence in CAF’s current leadership, stating that African football was in capable hands under the guidance of president Patrice Motsepe and the newly appointed secretary-general.

“African football is in the safest hands of a passionate, able and hardworking President and a natural General Secretary. As an FA President, it could not have been better,” he added.

Kenya’s Sports Minister, Salim Mvurya, also congratulated Adamu on his appointment, highlighting his extensive experience and contribution to football administration across the continent.

“Your wealth of experience, distinguished leadership and longstanding contribution to African football administration position you to advance the growth, competitiveness and global standing of football across the continent,” Mvurya said.

Speaking on behalf of the Kenyan government and the country’s football community, Mvurya reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with CAF, particularly as Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania prepare to jointly host the historic AFCON PAMOJA 2027 tournament.

He concluded by wishing Adamu success in his new position and congratulating him on his appointment.

Magogo also welcomed the announcement’s timing, which came while Adamu was visiting Uganda, and extended his congratulations to the newly appointed CAF secretary-general.