Neveu targets 2027 AFCON qualification with Togo

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.

#TousEperviers pic.twitter.com/MUCl57vK5w

— FTF-Fédération Togolaise de Football (@FtfTogolaise) March 3, 2026

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.