Newly appointed Togo coach Patrice Neveu has outlined his plan as he targets qualification for the 2027 African Cup of Nations. The Frenchman returns to coaching after agreeing to a three-year deal last week.

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Neveu, 71, left his coaching job with the Gabon national football team in 2023, during which the Gabonese Football Federation was ordered to pay a hefty compensation fee. Upon his return to West Africa, the veteran coach stated that qualifying Togo for the 2027 AFCON is the short-term goal.

“The Togolese authorities and the Togolese people want to go to the 2027 AFCON, so I want to go too. It’s a short- and medium-term project. I know there are deadlines approaching, and I’m aware of the limited time we have. But I ask for patience. I know the Togolese people are eager for results, but sometimes, before seeking results, certain obligations must be fulfilled and decisions made.”

The Sparrowhawks, as they are nicknamed, have participated in AFCON eight times, but their last appearance was in 2017. Les Éperviers have failed to build a strong national side in recent years. Neveu stated that his mission includes rebuilding Togolese football.

“My mission is to rebuild and construct a strong and united team capable of competing with other national teams, to revitalize Togolese football, and to get the very best out of the squad I will have at my disposal.”

Togo is one of the few nations in Africa that have managed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. After their glory days in the 2000’s, with talents like Emmanuel Adebayor, the national side has fallen from grace.

Patrice Neveu Targets AFCON 2027 Qualification With Togo

Newly appointed head coach Patrice Neveu has outlined his ambitions after taking charge of the Togo national team, with qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) emerging as his primary objective.

The experienced French tactician recently signed a three-year contract with the country’s football federation, marking his return to international coaching after leaving his role with the Gabon national team in 2023.

At 71 years old, the veteran manager brings decades of experience in African football and hopes to guide the West African side back to continental relevance.

A clear objective for the Sparrowhawks

During his first public statements after accepting the role, the coach made it clear that qualification for the next AFCON tournament is the immediate priority.

The 2027 edition of the competition will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, making it a major target for several teams across the continent.

Speaking about his new role, Neveu acknowledged the expectations placed on him by supporters and football authorities.

“The Togolese authorities and the people want to go to the 2027 AFCON, so I want to go too,” he explained.

He described the project as both a short-term and medium-term mission, emphasizing that patience and strategic planning will be essential to rebuilding a competitive national team.

Rebuilding the national team

The new coach believes that rebuilding the squad will be a crucial part of his job.

Over the past few years, the national team has struggled to maintain consistent performances at the international level. While the country once produced several talented players who competed in Europe’s top leagues, recent results have not matched the expectations of fans.

Neveu emphasized that the first step will be to create a strong and united group capable of competing against other African teams.

“My mission is to rebuild and construct a strong and united team capable of competing with other national teams,” the French coach explained.

He also highlighted the importance of creating a clear identity for the squad and ensuring that players understand their roles within the team.

A proud football history

Despite recent struggles, the West African nation has a proud football history.

The national side has participated in the Africa Cup of Nations eight times, with its last appearance coming in 2017. During earlier years, the team regularly challenged some of the continent’s strongest sides.

One of the most memorable periods for the national team came during the 2000s, when legendary striker Emmanuel Adebayor emerged as one of Africa’s most recognizable football stars.

During that era, the country also achieved one of the biggest milestones in its football history by qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

That achievement placed the nation among the select group of African countries that have reached football’s biggest international tournament.

Challenges ahead

Although the team has experienced success in the past, rebuilding the program will not be easy.

The squad has struggled in recent qualification campaigns, and several African nations have made significant progress in developing competitive teams.

For the new head coach, one of the biggest challenges will be identifying talented players capable of representing the national team at the highest level.

He will also need to create a balanced squad that combines experienced players with emerging talents.

Focus on long-term development

Beyond immediate results, the new coach believes the future of the national team depends on strong development structures.

Improving scouting, youth development, and player preparation will be essential in ensuring long-term success.

The French tactician has already indicated that he wants to work closely with local football authorities to strengthen the overall football environment.

By building a clear system and developing promising young players, he hopes to create a foundation that will support the national team for years to come.

Hope for a new chapter

For supporters, the arrival of an experienced coach offers renewed optimism.

Many fans hope that the team can rediscover the competitive spirit that once made it a respected force in African football.

If the rebuilding process proves successful, qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations could mark the beginning of a new era.

With patience, planning, and strong leadership, the national team will aim to rise again and compete with the continent’s top football nations.