Sports
Senegal Hopes To Name New Coach Within Two Weeks
The president of the Senegal Football Federation (FSF) says he hopes to name a new coach within two weeks.
Augustin Senghor explained Senegal’s recent presidential elections had slowed the search for a replacement for Amara Traore.
“Now the elections are behind us, I think the government will be further in place next week,” he told BBC Sport.
“Then it will be a priority for us to talk to the new minister of sport to finalise the new coach.”
Senegal have been without a coach since sacking Traore shortly after their first round exit from the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
Senghor says they have already had coaches from around the world expressing an interest in the Teranga Lions job.
“We have several requests of great coaches coming from all around the world,” he said.
“They want to lead the Senegal team. The reason for me is simple – they know we have players with very good potential and that we have the chance to go to the next Nations Cup or World Cup.
“But what we want to do is find the best coach for our team, because it is time now for us to prove that we are not losers all the time.”
Despite reaching the 2002 World Cup quarter-finals the Teranga Lions have never lifted the Nations Cup.
Senghor seemed to distance himself from reports in the Senegalese media that former Egypt coach Hassan Shehata is being lined up to take over.
“Shehata is a very good coach but there may be a problem of language because we are not sure that he can work or speak with the players in English or French,” he said.
“And we don’t have enough time to work with interpreters or translators, which is why the language will be very important.”
The FSF president insisted that the nationality of the new coach is not an issue.
“What we decided in our executive committee is not to limit ourselves over the nationality or origin of the coach,” he insisted.
“We have a profile with some criteria – competence and experience – but we also need a charismatic coach.
“Because when you have to rule players coming from very great teams in Europe, and professionals of a high level, you have to be someone very charismatic.
“We think that if a coach fills all these criteria, we will take him – whether he is European, African or Senegalese. We will just take the best profile.
“We have several names in mind, but we don’t want to give these names now.”
Whoever takes over will have to deal with players such as the Newcastle United duo of Demba Ba and Papiss Demba Cisse as well as Turkey-based Moussa Sow.
The first job for the new Teranga Lions boss will be to prepare the team for their 2014 World Cup qualifiers in June.
They begin their Group J campaign by hosting Liberia on the first weekend of June before travelling to play Uganda a week later, Angola are the other team in the group.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.