Benin continues to await a definitive decision from rising star Arthur Atta, as uncertainty surrounds the midfielder’s international future ahead of key fixtures and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 22-year-old Franco-Beninese talent, currently making a strong impression with Udinese in Italy’s Serie A, remains a high-priority target for the Beninese national team.
Despite the persistent interest from head coach Gernot Rohr and the wider football federation, Atta has yet to confirm whether he will represent the Cheetahs at senior level.
Speculation around his international future has intensified in recent months, especially with AFCON 2025 on the horizon. However, Hugues Zinsou Zounon, media officer for the national team, has confirmed that Atta will not be included in the squad for the upcoming international window. His absence represents a setback for the team, which had hoped to bolster its midfield with the technical and composed presence of the Udinese man.
The Benin Football Federation, in coordination with the Ministry of Sports and national team management, is actively engaged in discussions with Atta’s camp. According to sources close to the negotiations, both the player and his father have been approached in an effort to secure a commitment. Despite these efforts, no final agreement has been reached, and the decision remains firmly in the hands of the player and his family.
Atta, who came through the youth system at FC Metz in France, is seen by many as a long-term solution to Benin’s midfield needs. His vision, passing range, and ball control have made him a standout talent in European football, and his dual nationality has inevitably drawn interest from both France and Benin.
Coach Gernot Rohr, who has placed a strong emphasis on developing a balanced and competitive squad ahead of continental competition, remains hopeful but realistic about Atta’s potential involvement. While the door remains open, the technical staff is preparing for the upcoming matches without him, with attention now turning to alternative midfield options.
The potential absence of Atta for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations would be a significant blow for Benin. The tournament represents a major opportunity for the national team to assert itself on the African stage, and securing players of Atta’s calibre is seen as crucial to those ambitions.
As of now, the situation remains fluid. The Benin Football Federation has made it clear that they will continue to monitor the case closely and maintain open lines of communication with Atta and his representatives. There is no set deadline for a decision, but time is becoming a factor as AFCON approaches and team selections become more pressing.
While supporters remain hopeful of seeing Atta in Benin colours, the national team will continue its preparations with the current squad. For now, the young midfielder’s international allegiance remains one of the most closely watched storylines in Beninese football.
