The Confederation of African Football has formally begun the search for a substantive Secretary-General, opening applications for one of the most influential administrative positions in African football less than four months after appointing Nigerian football administrator Samson Adamu in an acting capacity.
CAF announced the vacancy on its official website, inviting qualified candidates to apply for the role responsible for the day-to-day administration of the continental governing body. Applications will remain open until July 10, 2026.
The recruitment exercise follows the departure of Swiss-Congolese administrator Véron Mosengo-Omba, who resigned in March amid increasing scrutiny over his leadership and controversy surrounding the Africa Cup of Nations final.
Adamu was subsequently appointed Acting Secretary-General, becoming the first Nigerian to occupy the role, albeit on an interim basis.
Before his elevation, Adamu served as CAF’s Director of Competitions and Events, where he played a key role in organising the Africa Cup of Nations, CAF inter-club competitions and several other continental tournaments.
Following his appointment, CAF President Patrice Motsepe expressed confidence in the Nigerian administrator and encouraged him to contest for the position once the confederation commenced the formal recruitment process.
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The opening of applications means Adamu will now have to compete with other qualified candidates should he decide to seek the permanent appointment.
A successful bid would see him become the first Nigerian to serve as CAF’s substantive Secretary-General, adding another milestone after already making history as the first Nigerian to hold the office in an acting capacity.
According to CAF’s job description, the Secretary-General will oversee the implementation of decisions taken by the General Assembly and Executive Committee while managing the confederation’s administrative operations.
The successful candidate will also supervise staff, oversee legal and financial affairs, maintain relationships with CAF’s 54 member associations, FIFA and other key stakeholders, and coordinate the organisation’s strategic planning and institutional projects.
CAF added that the role will be central to driving organizational transformation, ensuring compliance with governance standards and overseeing the delivery of major continental competitions.
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Applicants are expected to hold a university degree and possess at least 10 years of senior executive management experience. The confederation is also seeking candidates with proven leadership and communication skills, fluency in either English or French, with knowledge of the other language considered an added advantage, while experience in international sports administration is listed among the preferred qualifications.
