African football sees coaching changes and logistical shifts

Several African national football teams are undergoing leadership changes and logistical shifts ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) qualifiers.

Niger has officially appointed Algerian coach Nabil Neghiz to lead the Mena National, succeeding Badou Zaki. Neghiz, who has extensive experience within the Algerian national team staff, will lead Niger in upcoming matches against Lesotho, Gabon, and a friendly against Algeria.

Algeria has named Brahim Hemdani as its new head coach, succeeding Vladimir Petkovic. Hemdani faces immediate challenges, including rebuilding defensive stability and managing the transition following the international retirement of Riyad Mahrez. Additionally, midfielder Yacine Titraoui is expected to miss the upcoming international window due to an injury.

In Senegal, new manager Patrick Vieira is facing early friction with the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF). A disagreement has emerged regarding his arrival protocol; Vieira prefers to join the squad directly in Mozambique for the upcoming match against the Mambas, while the FSF insists he travel to Dakar first to officially present his player list and hold a press conference. Furthermore, the Senegal vs. Mozambique qualifier has been relocated from Dakar to Maputo, Mozambique, due to stadium unavailability in Senegal.