Paulo Duarte’s resignation as head coach of the Togo national football team has set the stage for a potential homegrown replacement, with Daré Nibombé emerging as a frontrunner for the position.
The 55-year-old Portuguese coach parted ways with the Togo Sparrowhawks after a tenure marked by underwhelming results, prompting the Togolese Football Federation (FTF) to swiftly initiate the search for his successor.
Among the names circulating to fill the coaching role, both local and international figures have been mentioned.
Hervé Renard, renowned for leading Zambia and Ivory Coast to Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumphs, has surfaced as a prominent candidate despite his current engagement with the French women’s team.
Similarly, Florent Ibenge, with extensive experience including a successful stint with DR Congo, remains in contention.
However, the prospect of appointing a local coach has gained traction, with Daré Nibombé emerging as a leading candidate.
Currently coaching Royal Francs Borains Espoirs in Belgium, Nibombé boasts a distinguished career as a former defender for the Togo national team from 2000 to 2016.
His playing days included representing Togo in the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, a milestone achievement for Togolese football.
Having acquired a UEFA Pro coaching license, Nibombé’s coaching credentials are bolstered by his experience both on and off the pitch.
His tenure as captain of the Éperviers and his subsequent coaching career reflect a deep-rooted commitment to Togolese football, making him a compelling candidate to steer the national team forward.
Notably, the appointment of a local coach would mark a significant departure for Togo, whose recent managerial history has predominantly featured foreign coaches.
Claude Le Roy’s term (2016-2021) was preceded by Tom Saintfiet (2015-2016), underscoring a shift towards international coaching expertise.
Looking ahead, Togo faces a pivotal phase in international competitions. With the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup underway and the AFCON 2025 qualifiers on the horizon, the new coach will inherit the task of revitalizing the team’s performance.
Currently trailing in the World Cup qualifiers with three points, the Sparrowhawks are striving to secure their first AFCON appearance since 2017.
The urgency to appoint Duarte’s successor underscores the FTF’s determination to revive Togolese football and elevate the national team’s stature on the continent.
With the next CAN qualifiers looming in September, the forthcoming decision holds profound implications for the future of football in Togo.
As discussions continue and speculations intensify, the Togolese football community eagerly awaits the announcement that will shape the trajectory of the Éperviers under their new leader, potentially heralding a new era with Daré Nibombé at the helm.
