By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Amir Abdou has been appointed the new head coach of the Burkina Faso national football team (the Stallions), the Burkina Faso Football Federation (FBF) confirmed on 28 February 2026, moving swiftly to reboot a team that exited the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations earlier than expected.
Abdou, a 53-year-old Franco-Comorian, takes over following a rigorous selection process and succeeds Brama Traoré, who was dismissed after the Stallions’ early AFCON departure.
The appointment is seen as a strategic reset for Burkina Faso’s senior side, which has struggled for consistency despite a rich pool of talent. Abdou’s continental track record, including leading Comoros national football team to their first AFCON Round of 16 in 2021 and steering the Mauritania national football team to historic success including a notable win over Algeria national football team, was a decisive factor in his selection.
The FBF emphasized Abdou’s experience in African football and his reputation for tactical discipline, team unity and player development, qualities it hopes will stabilise performances ahead of the 2027 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and World Cup qualifying fixtures.
Abdou is expected to oversee his first matches with Burkina Faso during the March 2026 international window, although opponents have not yet been announced.
His appointment marks a new era for the Stallions as they aim to translate potential into tangible results on the continental stage.