Adamu has strong support

The poll shows a deeply divided continent over plans by Issa Hayatou to stand for another term as Caf president.

Hayatou was just 41 when he became head of Caf in 1988 following the death of Ethiopia's Ydnekatchew Tessema.

BBC Sport understands that the 60-year-old Cameroonian is "very keen" to oversee Africa's first World Cup in 2010 and will seek re-election in 2009.

But a survey of FA chairmen across the continent found only 31 percent of them in favour of extending Hayatou's presidency to 2013, giving him 25 years as Caf boss.

The Caf electorate is also sharply split along regional lines, with more Hayatou supporters in West and North Africa than in East and Southern Africa.

None of the FA chairmen contacted by BBC Sport were willing to go public with their views but one said: "It will be very interesting to see what Adamu does in 2009."

Opinion was split about possible candidates to replace Hayatou, with Adamu - Director of Sport in Nigeria's sports ministry - scoring highest.

Adamu is trusted by an average of 60 percent compared to 35 percent for Jacques Anouma of the Ivory Coast.

Adamu sits on the Executive Committees of both Caf and Fifa while Anouma, like Adamu, is a new recruit to the world body's so-called football parliament.

Adamu told BBC Sport that he was flattered by the findings of the survey but was not actively campaigning for any post.

"It's too early to talk about who becomes the next Caf president when Hayatou has not finished his term," Adamu said.

"I have the dream of reaching the top some day when the opportunity presents itself but for now I'm happy under the leadership of Hayatou," the Nigerian added.