Djibouti looks to rebuild after World Cup qualifying struggles

Djibouti Football Federation (FDF) president Souleiman Waberi has stated that the national side has embarked on an ambitious project.

The lowly ranked team has never appeared in the Africa Cup of Nations in its history.

Djibouti recently appointed French coach Stéphane Nado.

“Our national team has, in our view, marked an important milestone in the development momentum,” said Waberi.

He went on to say that the new coach will be given strong support to modernise football in Djibouti. “Today, a new stage begins for the new coach. You are part of an ambitious project that the federation has committed to. We are waiting for support from the State, and we hope it will be extended to us. But the federation’s support is total.”

FIFA Council member Waberi told the local press that the national team needs to be built on a strong foundation. Djibouti are currently last in Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Djibouti opted to appoint a foreign coach after parting ways with Abdourahman Okie. Okie was credited with achieving better results than his predecessor, but a recent heavy loss inflicted on the Shoremen of the Red Sea led to his dismissal from the national side.