Omna Taddele
March 5, 2026Amir Abdou targets success after Burkina Faso appointment
Photo: Burkinabe Football Federation
Amir Abdou targets success after Burkina Faso appointment
Franco-Comoran trainer Amir Abdou has been unveiled as the head coach of the Burkina Faso national football team on Thursday, March 5, in the capital Ouagadougou. The former Comoros national football team and Mauritania national football team head coach succeeds Brama Traoré as the new head coach of the Stallions.
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At his inaugural press conference, Abdou acknowledged the work done by former coach Traoré, who had led the national side for the past two years.
“First of all, before starting, I would like to congratulate the work of Brama. Believe me, it is not easy to work in your own country. I have experienced it myself. So I want to congratulate him and wish him the best of luck in his future projects,” said Abdou, who has been working in African football since 2014.
Abdou managed to lead Comoros national football team to their first-ever qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations, but the stakes are higher in Burkina Faso, as they are regular participants in the tournament:
“It is a football country, Burkina. I am very happy to be here among you, hoping to achieve great things with the Burkina Faso national team. We will try to do everything possible to become competitive very quickly with this team, which needs greater recognition at the level of African football. As I said to the football leaders, we will try to work hand in hand, be constructive, and go as far as possible in order to achieve results very quickly.”
Abdou, 53, stated that Burkina Faso, despite the huge potential at its disposal, has failed to live up to expectations in recent times. The national side failed to progress further at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after an impressive group-stage outing, and they also failed to advance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers. The newly appointed head coach vowed to deliver positive results.
“We will mobilize all the time, because the nation expects a lot in terms of results. I also know that the last AFCON was not a success. As I said, we will make sure to work closely with the players. I know the players are eager.”
The Marseille-born head coach previously worked in Comoros, Mauritania, and Morocco. He is particularly notable for his work with the Comoros national football team, whom he guided to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and a surprise Round of 16 finish.
Abdou’s first comments as Burkina Faso coach (in French)
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