Nigeria’s Tinubu Sits Down With CAF’s Motsepe in Nairobi

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu met CAF President Patrice Motsepe in Nairobi on Tuesday, the two men carving out time on the sidelines of the Africa Forward Summit for talks on football governance, private sector investment, and the future of the game across the continent.

Tinubu had flown into the Kenyan capital on Monday. Alongside him at the meeting were Nigeria Football Federation president Ibrahim Gusau and Amaju Pinnick — former NFF boss, ex-CAF vice-president, and one of the most connected figures in African football politics. CAF acting secretary-general Samson Adamu was also present.

A statement released after the talks kept things broad but made the intent clear. “CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and Nigeria’s Head of State discussed a number of matters including the cooperation between Government, Football and the Private Sector in Nigeria and Africa,” it read.

Tinubu wasn’t in Nairobi just for football. His delegation included ministers from six departments — foreign affairs, agriculture, communications, environment, trade, and marine economy — all present for a summit built around economic transformation and continental development. But the football meeting carried its own weight, and Pinnick’s presence at the table was a reminder that Nigeria’s grip on African football governance hasn’t loosened.