NSC Pledges Full Support for CAF Events as Secretary General Samson Adamu Visits Dikko
Oru Leonard
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has assured the Confederation of African Football (CAF), of Nigeria’s full support and commitment towards the successful hosting of the forthcoming CAF Ordinary General Assembly and CAF Awards.
According to Mr. Zira Zakka Nagga,
Head, Press & Public Relations Unit, the assurance was given by NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, during a courtesy visit by CAF Secretary General, Mr. Samson Adamu, to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Dikko congratulated Adamu on his appointment as CAF Secretary General, describing his emergence as a significant achievement for Nigeria and recognition of the country’s contributions to football development and administration in Africa.
He expressed confidence that Adamu’s experience and knowledge of African football would contribute significantly to advancing CAF’s vision and strengthening the administration of the game across the continent.
The NSC Chairman said the appointment also presented an opportunity to deepen Nigeria’s relationship with CAF, assuring the continental body of the Commission’s readiness to work closely with its leadership to promote football development.
He noted that Nigeria had the institutional capacity, professional expertise and organisational experience required to contribute meaningfully to sports development at the continental and international levels.
According to him, hosting the CAF Ordinary General Assembly and CAF Awards offers Nigeria an opportunity to demonstrate its organisational capabilities, strengthen sports diplomacy and reinforce its position as a destination for major international sporting events.
Dikko stressed that the benefits of hosting international sporting competitions extend beyond the events themselves, noting that they create opportunities for investment, economic growth, revenue generation, youth development and increased Nigerian participation in international sports administration.
He disclosed that the Commission had created a dedicated budget line for sports diplomacy in its capital budget to support the hosting of major international sporting events and facilitate the participation of qualified Nigerians seeking leadership positions in international sports organisations.
He explained that stronger Nigerian representation in international sports bodies would enhance the country’s influence in global sports governance while providing valuable experience and expertise that could be deployed to strengthen the domestic sports sector.
Dikko also emphasised the need for Nigeria to uphold international standards, regulations and best practices, particularly in good governance, institutional accountability and compliance with sporting rules.
He assured CAF that the NSC would provide the necessary institutional and logistical support to ensure the successful delivery of the forthcoming events.
In his remarks, Adamu expressed appreciation for the reception accorded him and commended the Federal Government and the NSC for their commitment to sports development, particularly football.
The CAF Secretary General acknowledged Nigeria’s significant contribution to his professional development, recalling that his previous engagements with the country’s football administration, domestic league system and private sporting events had equipped him with valuable experience for his current assignment.
He described Nigeria’s hosting of the CAF Ordinary General Assembly and CAF Awards as evidence of the country’s commitment to African football and its determination to strengthen collaboration with the continental governing body.
Adamu also praised the quality of infrastructure provided by the Federal Government, particularly the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, which he had inspected ahead of the General Assembly.
He expressed confidence in the facility’s capacity to host a world-class event, while also expressing optimism about the National Theatre in Lagos, the proposed venue for the CAF Awards.
The CAF Secretary General said the continental football body looked forward to working with Nigeria to deliver memorable and successful events.
Adamu was accompanied by CAF Head of Safety and Security and Project Lead for the two Nigerian events, Dr. Christian Emeruwa, and Mr. Sadiq of the CAF Finance Department.
The NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, was also present at the meeting.
The visit provided an opportunity for both organisations to assess preparations for the forthcoming CAF events, exchange views on areas of mutual interest and strengthen institutional cooperation towards the advancement of African football.
The NSC reiterated its commitment to expanding Nigeria’s engagement with CAF and other international sports organisations, stressing the country’s determination to maintain a leading role in shaping the future of sports administration and development across Africa.
