Adamu leads contenders to replace Mosengo-Omba as CAF secretary general

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is preparing to appoint a new secretary general, with interim office-holder Samson Adamu emerging as the leading candidate in a fiercely contested process behind the scenes.

The position became vacant several months ago after the departure of Veron Mosengo-Omba. According to Sport News Africa, CAF has reduced a field of about 100 applicants to a shortlist of five, with three names currently regarded as the main contenders.

Alongside Adamu, the leading candidates are Cedrick Aghey, CAF’s director of legal and compliance affairs, and Jean-Jacques Diene, the former chief of staff to the secretary general.

Adamu is understood to remain the favourite despite an unconvincing start to his period as interim secretary general. His initial months in the role have been criticised for a lack of decisive action, although he continues to benefit from strong support within CAF.

He is reportedly popular among staff and has built close relationships with a number of national federations, partly because of his previous work as CAF’s director of competitions. His standing has also improved through a closer relationship with CAF president Patrice Motsepe over recent months.

Diene, meanwhile, is said to enjoy a good reputation within the organisation. However, he reportedly does not have the backing of some members of CAF’s Executive Committee, which could affect his prospects despite his positive image.

Aghey’s position appears more difficult. Sport News Africa reports that he is highly unpopular with members of the Executive Committee, who had never previously endorsed his appointment to his current role.

The report also alleges that Aghey has attempted to undermine Adamu. Tensions between the two men are said to have reached their highest point in recent weeks.

With the assistance of CAF human resources director Reem Adel, Aghey is reportedly trying to compile a case concerning alleged ethical breaches by Adamu. The claims are said to include an alleged romantic relationship between the Nigerian and a CAF employee.

Several press articles were subsequently published, according to the report, while an intelligence consultancy was brought in with the aim of damaging Adamu’s reputation. Aghey, who is Franco-Togolese, is also alleged to have persuaded several people to oppose Adamu.

Those efforts have not yet produced the desired result, however. Aghey is not believed to have significant support from Motsepe, a factor likely to carry considerable weight in the final decision.

The report further claims that Aghey has disappointed Mosengo-Omba, whose influence within CAF remains substantial despite his move to become president of the Congolese Football Association, known by its French acronym Fecofa.

Mosengo-Omba is still regarded as an influential figure and is said to remain listened to by Motsepe. His views could therefore play an important part in determining who succeeds him as CAF secretary general.

The governing body is expected to make its appointment in the near future, with Adamu currently holding the strongest position among the three leading candidates.