Vice President Kashim Shettima has described Samson Adamu’s appointment as General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a source of national pride, saying it reflects Nigeria’s capacity to produce leaders for influential positions in international sports administration.
Shettima spoke on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja while receiving Adamu alongside the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko.
Congratulating Adamu on becoming the first Nigerian to occupy the position, the Vice President said the appointment demonstrated the quality of Nigerian talent and the country’s growing influence in international sports.
He noted that Nigeria’s achievements in sports had been driven by the dedication and ability of its people, as well as the work of administrators and institutions responsible for discovering and developing athletes.
“Our nation has earned its place in the world of sports. We have flown our flag in arenas where few expected us to perform magic.
“We have made the impossible appear almost familiar, fundamentally because of the quality of our people,” Shettima said.
The Vice President also conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill to Adamu, describing the appointment as an inspiration to young Nigerians aspiring to leadership roles in international sports administration.
He urged the new CAF General Secretary to carry out his responsibilities with diligence and integrity while promoting Nigeria’s interests within the continental football governing body.
Shettima further highlighted football’s unifying role in Nigeria, noting that the sport often brings people together across ethnic, religious and social divides.
“Football especially is a uniting force in this country. Anytime Nigeria plays, it tends to subsume all other identities.
“Football and sports generally are a source of unity for our country. What binds us together supersedes whatever divides us,” he stated.
He also acknowledged the contributions of coaches, talent scouts, sports administrators and institutions to Nigeria’s sporting achievements, noting that those responsible for identifying and nurturing athletes often receive little recognition.
Shettima cited Nigerian football greats such as Rashidi Yekini, Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha and Finidi George, stressing the importance of the people and institutions that helped develop their talents.
Earlier, Dikko thanked the Federal Government for its support for sports development, saying the administration’s commitment had strengthened Nigeria’s international sporting profile and created opportunities for investment.
The NSC chairman described Adamu’s appointment as a significant milestone for Nigerian sports administration. He also commended the government for approving Nigeria’s hosting of the CAF General Assembly in November and the CAF Awards in December 2026.
Dikko said government backing had helped improve the country’s ability to attract international investment through sports, partnerships and major continental events.
In his response, Adamu described his appointment as a historic achievement, saying he was the first Nigerian to hold the position in CAF’s 70-year history.
He pledged to use his experience as CAF’s former Director of Competitions to strengthen the organisation’s administration and contribute to the development of African football.
Adamu also expressed his commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to develop its football talent and maximise its potential at continental and international levels.
He was appointed CAF General Secretary on Sunday, November 1, following a recruitment process conducted by the continental governing body.
In the role, Adamu will oversee CAF’s day-to-day administration and play a central part in implementing the organisation’s policies and programmes.
