Shettima Charges New CAF General Secretary Adamu To Protect Nigeria’s Interests

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged newly appointed Confederation of African Football (CAF) General Secretary Samson Adamu to promote and protect Nigeria’s interests in his new position, describing his emergence as evidence of the country’s capacity to occupy leadership positions in global sports.

Shettima gave the charge on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while receiving Adamu, who made history as the first Nigerian to occupy the position since CAF was established in 1957.

The Vice-President said Adamu’s appointment was a testament to the quality of Nigerian talent and the country’s standing in international sports administration.

“Nigerians possess the talent and capacity to occupy leadership positions in global sports. Our nation has its place in the world of sports,” Shettima said.

He also conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill to the new CAF chief executive, urging him to use his position to advance the country’s interests on the continent.

“Go and do yo-man’s job. Go and promote, protect, project and preserve the interest of the Nigerian nation,” the Vice-President charged.

The National Sports Commission (NSC), in a statement signed by its Head of Press and Public Relations, Mr Zira Zakka Nagga, and released to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, described Adamu’s appointment as a major milestone for Nigerian sports administration.

The NSC delegation to the Presidential Villa was led by its Chairman, Shehu Dikko, who congratulated Adamu, describing his emergence as an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its influence and strategic engagement in African football administration.

Dikko said having a Nigerian occupy such a prestigious position in CAF would benefit both the commission and the country.

“This is a significant milestone for Nigerian sports administration and for national development.

“We are particularly happy to have one of our own occupy such a prestigious CAF office. This is of great benefit to us as a commission and a nation in general,” he said.

The NSC chairman also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for approving Nigeria’s hosting of the CAF General Assembly in November and the CAF Awards in December 2026.

Also speaking, the NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, described Adamu’s appointment as a major achievement coming at a time when the commission was implementing reforms to reposition Nigerian sports.

He expressed confidence in Adamu’s administrative experience and pledged the commission’s support towards ensuring his success.

“This is a monumental achievement for us as a commission as we are implementing our reform agenda to turn around Nigerian sports in line with the Renewed Hope initiative.

“I have no doubt, because Adamu has a rich background and a profound wealth of experience, that he will make Nigeria proud. We will support him to achieve great results,” Olopade said.

In his response, Adamu thanked the Federal Government for its support, describing his emergence as a source of immense national pride.

His confirmation as CAF General Secretary on November 1, 2026, marked a historic breakthrough for Nigeria, ending the country’s long wait for one of its citizens to occupy the influential administrative position in African football.

The appointment is also expected to provide Nigeria with an opportunity to deepen its involvement in continental football administration and strengthen its standing within the African game.