Benin targets Aristide Zossou in bid to secure international switch

Benin has begun efforts to convince winger Aristide Zossou to represent the national team, with the country’s football federation confirming its interest in the 20-year-old who currently plays for Ivory Coast at youth level.

The Benin Football Federation has made contact with the player as it seeks to secure his international allegiance.

Zossou, who was born to Beninese parents, is presently part of Ivory Coast’s U20 and U23 set-ups but has yet to make a definitive decision about his future at senior international level.

Those close to the player say discussions have taken place, although no final agreement has been reached. As a result, uncertainty remains over which national team he will eventually represent.

For now, the situation means Zossou will not feature in the next squad selected by Benin coach Gernot Rohr.

The Cheetahs’ manager must wait to learn whether the winger ultimately chooses to switch his sporting nationality and commit to the Beninese national team.

The player is currently weighing his options carefully, and no official announcement has been made regarding his decision. Until a clear choice is made, speculation over his international future is likely to continue.

On the club front, Zossou has been enjoying a productive campaign in France’s Ligue 2. The attacker is on loan at USL Dunkerque from AJ Auxerre, where he has become a regular presence in the squad.

Over the course of the season, the young winger has made 27 appearances for Dunkerque. During that time he has scored four goals and provided three assists, statistics that underline his growing influence in the team’s attacking play.

His performances in the French second division have attracted attention and reinforced the belief that he could become a valuable asset at international level. This is partly why Benin has taken steps to approach him as it looks to strengthen its squad in the future.

For now, however, the final decision rests with the player. Until Zossou declares which country he will represent, Benin must wait to see whether its approach will result in a new addition to the national team.