Samson Adamu Unveils Grassroots Development Plans as New CAF Secretary-General

Posted : 06 November 2026

Newly appointed Confederation of African Football (CAF) Secretary-General Samson Adamu has identified grassroots development and improved competition management as major priorities in his administration, promising to strengthen football across the continent.

Adamu made the commitment during a visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday, where he acknowledged the Federal Government's support following his historic appointment as the first Nigerian to occupy CAF's top administrative position.

The Nigerian administrator stressed that the development of football in Nigeria depended heavily on the overall progress of the game across Africa. He explained that Nigerian football could not achieve sustainable growth without competing and developing alongside other African nations.

"If African football grows, Nigerian football grows also at the same time. And Nigerian football cannot grow by itself; it needs to grow also by competing with all the other African nations," Adamu said.

Having joined CAF in 2018 as Director of Competitions, Adamu brings eight years of experience in continental football administration to his new position. He subsequently served as Director of Tournaments and Events before becoming Acting Secretary-General in March 2026.

CAF confirmed his substantive appointment on November 1 following a recruitment process approved by its Executive Committee.

Adamu explained that his experience in organising major continental tournaments would help improve the planning, administration and delivery of CAF competitions. He described competitions as the central responsibility of the confederation and pledged to raise organisational standards.

Beyond tournament management, he identified grassroots football, structured player-development pathways and improved training opportunities for referees and coaches as essential areas requiring attention.

"You cannot have good football without proper grassroots and player pathways, and the referees and the coaches and all of the things," he stated.

The new Secretary-General also expressed his ambition to reconnect Africans with the game, declaring: "I will bring football back to the heart of African football."

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to strengthening Nigeria's influence in African football administration.

Represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu congratulated Adamu and described his emergence as a significant achievement for Nigeria. He also encouraged relevant authorities to consider the new CAF official for national honours.

The President approved Nigeria's hosting of the 48th Ordinary CAF General Assembly in Abuja on November 21, 2026. Lagos is also scheduled to host the 2026 CAF Awards ceremony on December 10.

The General Assembly is expected to attract representatives of CAF's 54 member associations, football administrators and other stakeholders from across the continent.

Speaking at the reception, Shettima highlighted the importance of football administrators, talent developers and sporting institutions in building successful national teams. He argued that their contributions deserved greater recognition alongside the achievements of players.

He also described football as an important instrument of national unity, noting that support for Nigeria's national teams often brings citizens together regardless of their ethnic, religious or political differences.

Adamu's appointment provides Nigeria with a stronger presence in continental football governance, while his proposed development priorities place grassroots investment and professional competition administration at the centre of his vision for African football.

Samson Adamu Unveils Grassroots Development Plans as New CAF Secretary-General

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