The Confederation of African Football has appointed Nigerian football administrator Samson Adamu as its new General Secretary. The appointment was announced on Sunday, November 1, 2026, after a recruitment process to fill the role previously held by Veron Mosengo-Omba.

Adamu has worked with CAF for eight years and had served as acting General Secretary since March 2026. Mosengo-Omba resigned from the position to become president of the football federation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe confirmed that Adamu’s appointment followed a comprehensive selection process involving several candidates. Motsepe explained that the position was widely advertised, with shortlisted applicants interviewed before the organisation reached its decision.

The appointment makes Adamu one of the most senior Nigerian administrators in African football. His responsibilities cover implementation of CAF policies, administrative coordination and support for football development across member associations.

Before his appointment, Adamu held several senior positions within CAF, including Director of Competitions and Director of Tournaments and Events. During his eight years with the organisation, he was involved in overseeing continental football competitions and coordinating major tournaments involving national teams and clubs across Africa.

His previous responsibilities placed him at the centre of CAF’s tournament administration, including the planning and execution of competitions under the continental body’s supervision.

As General Secretary, Adamu will now oversee broader administrative functions and work with CAF’s leadership to implement strategic decisions affecting African football.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reversed its plan to stage the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years and restored the competition’s traditional two-year cycle.

The CAF Executive Committee unanimously approved the decision on Thursday, October 29, after reviewing the proposal announced in December 2025.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the proposed Africa Nations League would take several years to generate enough revenue to support African football.

In a statement, Motsepe said, “The decision by the CAF EXCO that the CAF AFCON should take place every Two Years was based on advancing, protecting and promoting the interest of African Football and CAF’s 54 Member Associations, as well as the interest of African players employed by Football Clubs outside Africa.”

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will jointly host the 2027 tournament, followed by editions in 2028, 2031 and 2033. No tournament is scheduled for 2030 because of the FIFA World Cup.

•Bukayo Saka

Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka won the 2026 Sócrates Award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony at London’s Palladium Theatre on Monday.

He was presented with the award by Nigerian superstar Burna Boy.

France Football established the Sócrates Award in 2022 in collaboration with Peace and Sport.

The award is named after the late Brazilian football legend Sócrates, renowned for his social activism and defence of democracy.

The award is presented at the Ballon d’Or ceremony to recognise male and female footballers who use their influence and resources to support humanitarian causes and promote social inclusion beyond the pitch.