André Biyogo Poko has been recalled to the Gabon national team after nearly two years away, with the 32-year-old midfielder named in the squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Poko’s Comeback After Extended Absence
The Amedspor midfielder last featured for the Panthers on June 18, 2023, and had since been overlooked for selection. While the Gabonese Football Federation has yet to officially announce the squad, his Turkish club confirmed his call-up for the crucial fixtures against Seychelles and Kenya.
Amedspor released a statement celebrating his selection: “Tebrikler Poko! Congratulations to our player André Biyogo Poko on his call-up to the Gabon national team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. We wish him success.”
Gabon’s Qualification Bid
Gabon are set to play two key matches as they look to strengthen their position in the qualifiers. The team will host Seychelles in Franceville on March 20, 2025, before traveling to Nairobi to face Kenya on March 23.
These fixtures, part of the fifth and sixth rounds of the qualification campaign, are vital for Gabon’s hopes of securing a place in the 2026 World Cup.
With 77 caps for the national team, Poko brings valuable experience to the squad. His return could provide much-needed stability in midfield as Gabon push for a historic qualification.
A Career Marked by Experience
Poko began his professional journey at Girondins de Bordeaux, signing his first contract in 2011 and winning the Coupe de France in 2013.
He later played for Kardemir Karabükspor, Göztepe, and Altay in Turkey, before stints in Saudi Arabia (Al-Khaleej), Israel (Hapoël Beer-Sheva), and Croatia (Istra 1961). He joined Amedspor in January 2024.
At the international level, he played a crucial role in Gabon’s U23 Africa Cup triumph in 2011 and has been part of multiple Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualification campaigns. His return adds depth to the national team as they aim to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
