Nigerian Samson Adamu, interim since March 2026, has been confirmed as CAF’s permanent general secretary by the body’s Executive Committee, according to a statement dated 1 November 2026.
Samson Adamu is no longer CAF’s acting general secretary. The Executive Committee has approved his appointment on a permanent basis, with immediate effect, according to Livesoccertv. The decision was confirmed this week, according to a CAF statement dated 1 November 2026.
The official text leaves no doubt about the status of the Nigerian official: “CAF has confirmed the appointment of Samson Adamu as the organisation’s new general secretary. Adamu, who has occupied the role in an acting capacity since March 2026, was confirmed by the CAF Executive Committee (EXCO) this week”. Interim since March 2026, Adamu now moves from temporary to permanent.
An internal rise before the interim role
His arrival at CAF predates the interim spell. The Nigerian joined the institution in 2018 as director of competitions, before taking charge of tournaments and events. It was after the departure of Veron Mosengo-Omba, the former general secretary who left to head the DR Congo federation (FECOFA), that he took on the interim role, according to Livesoccertv.
His professional career had begun at Kinetic Sport Management, where he helped organise the Copa Lagos international beach soccer tournament. He also holds a FIFA Master in international management, law and humanities of sport (class of 2009), again according to Livesoccertv.
A full recruitment process
CAF president Patrice Motsepe said the appointment followed a full recruitment process, with the post advertised and several candidates interviewed, Livesoccertv reports. The general secretariat was therefore not handed out without competition.
The statement does not specify the length of the mandate or the detailed terms of the appointment.
Nairobi in the crosshairs
His appointment comes as CAF prepares for AFCON 2027. Adamu has arrived in Nairobi at the head of a large delegation to assess Kenya’s infrastructure for the tournament, according to Africa Top Sports and KBC. The Moi stadium in Kasarani and Talanta Sports City are on the itinerary of the inspection, which is currently under way.
No verdict has yet been reached on the state of the Kenyan venues.