High stakes: Senegal’s Teranga Sporting Club targets glory at NexGen Africa Cup

Senegalese side Teranga Sporting Club is readying itself for the NexGen Africa Cup in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, which takes place from 23 to 28 March 2026.

While the club has high hopes of performing well, its General Manager, Bernard Mendy, emphasizes that the tournament is primarily an opportunity for young players to gain exposure and experience.

In an exclusive interview with Africafoot, Mendy stressed the dual purpose of the club’s participation.

“We are preparing for this competition seriously, just like all our training sessions, the Senegalese Cup, and the local league. We are participating in this competition with the ambition of giving some of our young players a chance to shine,” he said. “This trip will also open up opportunities for them, allowing them to learn about another country. This will serve them well in the future, when they enter the world of professional football.”

Beyond national competition, Teranga Sporting Club hopes to establish a stronger presence in African youth football. Mendy highlighted that the tournament provides a platform for players to attract professional attention.

“The primary objective of our participation in this international tournament in Abidjan is closely linked to our ambitions to promote Senegalese talent. Above all, many young players could use this tournament to sign their first professional contract, with numerous scouts in attendance. The second objective is to go all the way in this competition. Indeed, everything is interconnected, as Teranga Sporting champions excellence.”

Teranga Sporting Club has been drawn into a challenging Group A, facing off against Mali’s Afrique Football Academy, Ivory Coast’s FC Olympic Sports, and Nigeria’s Kwara Football Academy.

The NexGen Africa Cup gathers some of the continent’s top football academies, creating a high-pressure environment where emerging talent can showcase skills and attract international attention.

For Teranga Sporting Club, the tournament represents both a proving ground for their youth and a chance to solidify the club’s reputation as a hub for football development.