NATIONAL SPORTS COMMISSION (NSC)
PRESS RELEASE
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), assuring the continental football governing body of the Commission’s full institutional support towards the successful hosting of the forthcoming CAF Ordinary General Assembly and CAF Awards in Nigeria.
Dikko gave the assurance when the CAF Secretary General, Mr. Samson Adamu paid him a courtesy visit at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Welcoming the CAF scribe, the NSC Chairman congratulated him on his well-deserved appointment, describing his elevation as a proud moment for Nigeria and a testament to the country’s growing contributions to football development and administration across the African continent.
He expressed confidence that Adamu’s wealth of experience and understanding of African football would be instrumental in advancing CAF’s vision of excellence, integrity, and sustainable development.
According to Dikko, Adamu’s appointment provides another important opportunity to deepen the relationship between Nigeria and CAF, assuring him of the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with him in promoting the growth of football and strengthening Nigeria’s leadership role in African sports.
The NSC Chairman noted that Nigeria possesses the institutional capacity, professional expertise, and organisational experience to contribute meaningfully to the development of sports across the continent.
He described the forthcoming CAF Ordinary General Assembly and CAF Awards as strategic opportunities for Nigeria to showcase its organisational capabilities, strengthen sports diplomacy, and consolidate its position as a preferred destination for major international sporting events.
Dikko emphasised that hosting international competitions goes beyond the immediate responsibility of staging events, explaining that such engagements provide opportunities to attract investment, stimulate economic activities, generate revenue, inspire young people and create pathways for Nigerians to assume leadership positions in international sports organisations.
He further disclosed that the Commission had established a dedicated budget line for sports diplomacy within 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 bodies.
He explained that increased Nigerian representation in international sports administration would not only strengthen the country’s influence in global sports governance but also provide opportunities to acquire valuable experience and expertise that could be deployed to improve the nation’s sporting ecosystem.
The NSC Chairman also underscored the importance of upholding international standards, regulations, and best practices, stressing that Nigeria must lead by example in matters of good governance, institutional accountability, and compliance with international sporting regulations.
He assured CAF of the Commission’s commitment to providing the necessary institutional and logistical support to ensure that the forthcoming events were successfully delivered.
Speaking during the visit, CAF Secretary General, Mr. Samson Adamu expressed appreciation for the warm reception and commended the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission for their commitment to sports development, particularly football.
Adamu acknowledged Nigeria’s significant contribution to his professional growth, noting that his previous engagements with the country’s football administration, league system and private sporting events had provided him with invaluable experience that helped prepare him for his present responsibility at CAF.
He described Nigeria’s hosting of the CAF Ordinary General Assembly and CAF Awards as a demonstration of the country’s commitment to African football and its willingness to strengthen collaboration with the continental governing body for the overall development of the game.
The CAF Secretary General also commended the quality of infrastructure provided by the Federal Government, particularly the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, which he had visited ahead of the General Assembly. He expressed confidence in the facility’s capacity to host a world-class event.
He equally expressed optimism about the National Theatre in Lagos, the proposed venue for the CAF Awards, noting that CAF looked forward to working with Nigeria to deliver memorable and successful events.
Adamu was accompanied on the visit by CAF’s Head of Safety and Security and Project Lead for the two events in Nigeria, Dr. Christian Emeruwa, as well as Mr. Sadiq from the CAF Finance Department.
The Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade was also present at the meeting.
The visit provided an opportunity for both organisations to review preparations for the forthcoming events, exchange ideas on areas of mutual interest, and reinforce their commitment to institutional collaboration and the advancement of African football.
The National Sports Commission reiterated its determination to deepen its engagement with CAF and other international sporting organisations while ensuring that Nigeria continues to play a leading role in shaping the future of sports on the African continent
e-Signed:
Mr. Zira Zakka Nagga
Head, Press & Public Relations Unit
National Sports Commission (NSC)
5th November, 2026
About The Author
Comments