Vice-President Kashim Shettima says Nigeria has the talent, resilience and executive capacity to sit in leadership positions in global sports administration, citing the appointment of Samson Adamu as the first Nigerian to become General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Shettima made the remarks when he received Adamu and Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
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Adamu’s appointment reflects Nigeria’s leadership potential
Shettima described Adamu’s appointment as further evidence of Nigeria’s potential to provide leadership in international sports, noting that the country’s achievements have been driven by the quality and dedication of its people.
“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,” he said.
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The vice-president congratulated Adamu and urged him to distinguish himself through exemplary leadership and service to African football. He also conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s goodwill and encouraged the new CAF General Secretary to discharge his responsibilities with diligence, integrity and national pride.
Shettima urged Adamu to promote and protect Nigeria’s interests while contributing to the development of African football.
Shettima highlights sports as a force for national unity
He also highlighted the unifying power of sports, particularly football, in a country marked by cultural and social diversity.
“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 said.
Shettima further acknowledged the contributions of coaches, talent scouts, administrators and institutions whose work in identifying and developing athletes often goes unrecognised.
He recalled the achievements of Nigerian football legends, including Rashidi Yekini, Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha and Finidi George, noting that their success was built on the efforts of those who discovered and nurtured their abilities.
In his response, Adamu described his emergence as the first Nigerian to occupy the position in CAF’s 70-year history as a source of national pride.
He pledged to draw on his experience as CAF’s former Director of Competitions to strengthen the organisation’s administration and advance African football.
Adamu was appointed CAF General Secretary on Sunday, November 1, following a recruitment exercise by the continental football governing body. He is expected to oversee its day-to-day administration.
Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.
