Issaka Adamou has been unanimously elected president of the Nigerien Football Federation (FENIFOOT), ushering in a new chapter for football in the West African nation.
The election took place on Saturday, July 5, 2025, during FENIFOOT’s ordinary and elective general assembly held at Djibo Hamani University in Tahoua.
Adamou, who previously served as the federation’s third vice-president, succeeds Colonel-Major Djibrilla Hima Hamidou, widely known as “Pelé.”
The transition marks a significant moment in Nigerien football, with Adamou expected to lead the federation through a four-year mandate.
Speaking after his election, the new president unveiled an ambitious programme titled “VAR” – an acronym for “Valorize Acquired Achievements and Revitalize.”
The initiative aims to rejuvenate football across the country, focusing on improved infrastructure, youth development, and institutional transparency.
A seasoned figure in football administration, Adamou is a recognised FIFA and CAF expert in sports infrastructure.
He has pledged to prioritise grassroots football and restore confidence in the federation’s governance.
The election comes at a time when Niger is gaining ground on the international football stage.
Former president Djibrilla Hima Hamidou was elected to the FIFA Council in March 2025, a significant achievement for the country and a signal of growing influence within the sport’s global leadership.
Adamou’s leadership is expected to build on that momentum, with hopes of modernising the domestic game and elevating Niger’s competitive profile regionally and continentally.
With high expectations from fans, players, and stakeholders alike, Nigerien football now embarks on a journey toward renewal under Adamou’s stewardship.
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