Exclusive: Four CAF insiders shortlisted for permanent General Secretary position

The next General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football is expected to emerge from within the CAF system, with all four candidates shortlisted for the powerful position possessing extensive experience inside the continental governing body, Africa’s leading football news website, AfricaSoccer.com can exclusively reveal.

AfricaSoccer.com can reveal that Nigerian administrator Samson Adamu, Senegal’s Jean Jacques Marcel Diene, Togolese-Ghanaian lawyer Cédrick Aghey and Mozambique’s Muhammad Feizal Sidat have progressed to the final stage after more than 200 applications were submitted for the position.

The appointment could be considered when the CAF Executive Committee meets virtually on Thursday under the chairmanship of CAF President Patrice Motsepe, although a final decision is not guaranteed at the meeting.

CAF has not publicly announced the shortlist, but sources familiar with the recruitment process say the four candidates are highly regarded within African football circles and have detailed knowledge of the organisation’s structures, competitions and administrative procedures.

Adamu holds advantage as acting General Secretary

Adamu is currently serving as acting General Secretary and is regarded as one of the leading contenders because of the continuity his appointment would provide.

The Nigerian was elevated to the position in March following the departure of Véron Mosengo-Omba, becoming the first Nigerian to occupy the role in nearly seven decades.

CAF’s official records continue to identify him as acting General Secretary, and he has represented the organisation in high-level engagements involving governments, member associations and preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

He previously held senior roles in competitions and commercial operations and is a graduate of the FIFA Master programme.

Adamu is understood to enjoy widespread support among influential figures within the CAF administration and several member associations.

Diene brings legal and executive-office experience

Diene currently works at the heart of the General Secretary’s office as Chief of Staff.

The Senegalese lawyer has spent more than seven years at CAF and previously worked in legal affairs and litigation for the Senegalese Football Federation.

His responsibilities have placed him close to CAF’s senior leadership and given him direct experience of the organisation’s daily administration and decision-making processes.

Sources describe Diene as having developed strong working relationships with officials across African football, an asset that could strengthen his candidacy.

Aghey backed by legal, UEFA and FIFA background

Aghey is CAF’s Director of Legal Affairs and Compliance and has previously served as head of the General Secretary’s office.

The Togolese-Ghanaian administrator has experience within both CAF and FIFA structures and holds a Master of Laws qualification from the University of California, Berkeley.

His current role places him at the centre of CAF’s legal, regulatory, governance and compliance work.

He is considered to have significant institutional support and a detailed understanding of CAF and FIFA regulations.

Sidat offers football-development expertise

Sidat previously served as CAF’s Head of Professional Football, having earlier worked as Club Licensing Manager.

During his CAF career, the Mozambican administrator was closely involved in professionalising club football, stadium inspections and the implementation of club and stadium licensing requirements across Africa.

He left his full-time CAF position in 2024 and now works in sports infrastructure and stadium consultancy, while retaining close links to the continental football system.

His father, Feizal Sidat, is president of the Mozambique Football Federation and a CAF vice-president, giving the younger Sidat deep connections within African football administration.

The successful candidate will become CAF’s most senior full-time administrator, responsible for implementing Executive Committee decisions and overseeing the organisation’s extensive operations from its headquarters in Cairo.