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Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the appointment of Samson Adamu as General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a testament to Nigeria’s capacity to produce leaders capable of occupying influential positions in global sports administration.
Shettima made the remarks on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, while receiving Adamu and the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko.Sports news subscription
Congratulating Adamu on his historic appointment as the first Nigerian to occupy the position, the Vice President said the achievement reflected the quality of Nigerian talent and the country’s growing influence in international sports.
He noted that Nigeria’s sporting achievements over the years had been driven by the dedication, talent and determination of its people, while acknowledging the contributions of administrators and institutions responsible for discovering, developing and promoting athletes.Buy Maps
“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 conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill to Adamu, describing his appointment as an inspiration to young Nigerians aspiring to attain leadership positions in international sports administration.
He urged the new CAF General Secretary to discharge his responsibilities with diligence, integrity and a strong sense of national pride, while encouraging him to promote and protect Nigeria’s interests in the continental football governing body.Buy Maps
Shettima also emphasised the unifying power of football in Nigeria, noting that the sport continues to transcend ethnic, religious and other social differences.
“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.
The Vice President further highlighted the importance of Nigeria’s diversity, maintaining that the country’s shared history and social connections were stronger than the divisions often emphasised in public discourse.Buy Maps
He also acknowledged the contributions of coaches, talent scouts, sports administrators and institutions whose efforts provide the foundation for Nigeria’s achievements in international competitions.
According to Shettima, the people responsible for identifying and developing sporting talents often receive little recognition despite their significant contributions to the country’s sporting success.
He recalled the achievements of Nigerian football legends, including Rashidi Yekini, Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha and Finidi George, stressing that their successes were made possible by the individuals and institutions that discovered and nurtured their abilities.Buy Maps
Earlier, Dikko expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its continued support for sports development, noting that the administration’s commitment had strengthened Nigeria’s international sporting profile and created opportunities for investment.
The NSC chairman described Adamu’s emergence as CAF General Secretary as a significant milestone for Nigerian sports administration.
He also commended the Federal Government for approving Nigeria’s hosting of the CAF General Assembly and CAF Awards in November and December 2026, respectively.Buy Maps
Dikko maintained that government support for sports development had improved the country’s capacity to attract international investment through sporting activities, partnerships and major continental events.
In his response, Adamu described his appointment as a historic achievement, noting that he was the first Nigerian to occupy the position in CAF’s 70-year history.
He pledged to draw on his experience as CAF’s former Director of Competitions to strengthen the organisation’s administration and contribute to the continued development of African football.CAF competition tickets
Adamu also expressed his commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to harness its abundant football talent and maximise the country’s potential at both continental and international levels.
Adamu was appointed CAF General Secretary on Sunday, November 1, following a recruitment process conducted by the continental football governing body.
In his new capacity, he will oversee CAF’s day-to-day administration and play a central role in implementing the organisation’s policies and programmes.CAF