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Nigeria's Samson Adamu named CAF general secretary

The former director of competitions, who helped run the Africa Cup of Nations, takes the top administrative job in African football after months as interim chief.

By Newsheir Staff, Newsroom

· 1 min read

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In this article
  1. Who is Samson Adamu
  2. How he was chosen
  3. What the job involves
  4. A boost for Nigeria in football administration

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Nigeria's Samson Adamu as its general secretary, making him the most senior administrator in African football.

CAF announced the appointment on its website on Sunday, November 1, after what it described as a comprehensive recruitment process. Adamu had been doing the job on an interim basis since March.

Who is Samson Adamu

Adamu joined CAF in 2018 as director of competitions and later served as director of tournaments and events. In those roles he played a leading part in organising several major tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the continent's flagship competition.

He is the son of Amos Adamu, a former director of sports in Nigeria and a former member of FIFA's executive committee.

How he was chosen

CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the position was widely advertised and several candidates were interviewed before CAF's executive committee confirmed Adamu.

He replaces Veron Mosengo-Omba, who resigned earlier this year and later became president of the football federation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

What the job involves

The general secretary runs CAF's day-to-day administration, from organising competitions and managing finances to working with the 54 national associations that make up the confederation. Adamu will also be responsible for putting CAF's strategic priorities into practice.

The role is especially significant as African football's profile grows. The continent's clubs and players are increasingly in demand worldwide, and CAF is under pressure to improve the commercial value of its competitions, raise standards of governance and invest in facilities and women's football.

A boost for Nigeria in football administration

The appointment places a Nigerian at the heart of African football's governing body at a time when the country's own football authorities have faced criticism over administration. For Nigerian fans, it is a rare piece of good news off the pitch, and a sign of the expertise the country has to offer the wider game.

Sources and references

  1. 1.CAF picks Nigeria's Samson Adamu as new General Secretary — Vanguard
  2. 2.Caf names Samson Adamu as new general secretary — Nation (Kenya)
  3. 3.CAF Appoints Samson Adamu as New General Secretary — Pulse Sports

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