The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed Samson Adamu as its substantive General Secretary, ending months of speculation after he successfully served in an acting capacity.
The appointment was ratified by the CAF Executive Committee (EXCO) following a comprehensive recruitment process that included the advertisement of the position and interviews with several candidates.
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe announced the decision, describing Adamu’s appointment as the outcome of a transparent and merit-based selection process.
Adamu has served as Acting General Secretary since March 2026, overseeing the day-to-day administration of African football’s governing body during a period of continued institutional reforms.
His confirmation marks another major milestone in a career that has seen him rise through the ranks of CAF over the past eight years.
The experienced football administrator joined CAF in 2018 as Director of Competitions, where he played a key role in managing the organisation’s football calendar before later being promoted to Director of Tournaments and Events.
During his tenure, Adamu helped oversee the successful organisation of several flagship continental competitions, including the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), CAF inter-club tournaments and other major events across the continent.
His extensive knowledge of tournament operations, governance and football administration has earned him widespread recognition within African football circles.
Beyond his practical experience, Adamu also boasts strong academic credentials. He is a graduate of the prestigious FIFA Master in International Management, Law and Humanities of Sport, one of the world’s leading postgraduate programmes in sports management.
As CAF’s General Secretary, Adamu will be responsible for overseeing the organisation’s daily operations, implementing Executive Committee decisions and supporting President Motsepe’s vision of strengthening football governance, competitions and commercial growth across Africa.
His appointment is expected to provide continuity and stability within CAF’s administration as the governing body continues to modernise its structures and expand the development of football throughout the continent.
With his blend of administrative experience, competition management expertise and international sports education, Adamu now assumes one of the most influential leadership positions in African football at a crucial stage of CAF’s long-term strategic development.
