Corentin Martins Poised to Take Charge of Mauritania National Team
French coach Corentin Martins is widely expected to be appointed as the new manager of Mauritania’s national football team, with an official announcement anticipated following a key meeting of the country’s football federation on 8 October.
While the decision is not yet formal, growing signs suggest Martins will be named as the successor to Patrice Neveu, who departed the post earlier this year. The final confirmation will come after the ad hoc committee of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (FFRIM) concludes its deliberations.
Martins, a former French international and ex-Auxerre player, has already begun shaping the future of the team behind the scenes. According to reports in Le Parisien, the 45-year-old played a role in selecting players for Mauritania’s upcoming fixture against Morocco on 12 October, including the call-up of right-back Ousmane Samba of French amateur side Aubervilliers.
“It’s not confirmed yet, but there’s a strong rumour that Corentin Martins will be our next coach,” said Samba, who is set to make his international debut. “He was already involved in getting me into the team.”
Despite the apparent momentum behind Martins’ appointment, the potential decision has raised eyebrows among some followers of Mauritanian football. Critics point out that Martins lacks the type of African coaching experience specified in the FFRIM’s original call for candidates — which sought a seasoned, high-level coach with prior exposure to the continent.
Martins’ coaching record includes a spell in charge of Stade Brestois, managing the French club in both Ligue 1 and Ligue 2. However, he has no prior international coaching experience in Africa, prompting questions about whether he fits the federation’s original criteria.
Meanwhile, another leading contender, Frenchman Sébastien Desabre — who had reportedly been the frontrunner for weeks — is now believed to be finalising a deal with a club in Egypt, having grown frustrated by the prolonged silence from Mauritanian officials.
The shift in direction suggests the FFRIM may be prioritising other factors in its final selection. Martins is understood to have impressed during informal discussions, and his early involvement with squad planning could indicate strong support within the federation.
Should the appointment be confirmed, Martins will take charge of the Mourabitounes at a pivotal time. Mauritania, a nation steadily growing in football stature, is aiming to qualify for future continental competitions and build a more consistent presence on the international stage.
For now, the footballing community in Nouakchott and beyond awaits official word — but for many, the writing appears to be on the wall.
