The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed 69 year old Nigerian administrator Samson Adams as its new Secretary General, replacing Veron Mosengo-Omba who recently stepped down from the role.
The decision was confirmed during a CAF Executive Committee meeting held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Giza Palace Hotel in Cairo. The meeting was chaired by CAF President Patrice Motsepe.
Adams, who previously served as CAF Director of Competitions and Events, brings extensive experience in managing major tournaments and overseeing logistics across African football. His appointment was proposed by the CAF Executive Committee and later approved by the General Assembly, confirming his role as the chief administrative officer of the organization.
The position of Secretary General is considered the engine of CAF’s operations, responsible for the day to day running of the organization, legal affairs, and ensuring the implementation of decisions taken by the Executive Committee.
Adams’ appointment also marks a significant moment for Nigeria, placing the country at the center of African football leadership for the first time in nearly seven decades.
During the same meeting, CAF adopted several major reforms. Among them is the expansion of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from 24 to 28 teams, as well as a change in the tournament cycle from every two years to every four years. These changes are expected to take effect starting from the 2028 edition.
CAF also announced measures to strengthen the independence of referees and judicial bodies, including disciplinary and appeals committees, following controversies during the AFCON 2026 final. The move aims to prevent interference from football authorities in decision making processes.
In addition, CAF confirmed that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Another key change is that finals of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup will now be played as single matches instead of the traditional home and away format.
