Former Benin captain Khaled Adenon has embarked on a new chapter following his recent retirement from professional football.
The ex-Le Mans defender has been appointed to the Beninese Football Federation’s (FBF) dual nationality detection unit, a specialized team dedicated to scouting young players of Beninese descent playing abroad, particularly in Europe.
Adenon’s reputation for calmness, professionalism, and leadership throughout his career has earned him the trust of Beninese football authorities.
His inclusion in this unit underscores the federation’s commitment to harnessing experienced former internationals to build bridges with the Beninese diaspora and enrich the national teams with emerging talents.
The dual nationality detection unit, established in 2024 through a partnership between the FBF and the Ministry of Sports, recently expanded its ranks to include Adenon alongside other notable former Benin internationals.
Among them are Rudy Gestède, a former player known for his time in the French leagues, and Oumar Tchomogo, ex-national team coach. Together, they form a team that blends footballing experience with strategic scouting acumen.
Coordinated by Vincent Rautureau, the unit benefits from the expertise of Laurent Djaffo, a seasoned football analyst, and receives occasional support from Raymond Tchayé.
This diverse group operates discreetly yet efficiently, focusing on identifying young players eligible to represent Benin, particularly those born or raised overseas who may have dual nationality.
In March 2025, during the FIFA international break, the unit conducted a key scouting mission in Bobigny, located in the Paris metropolitan area.
The team evaluated promising Beninese youth players aged between 15 and 20, assessing their potential to contribute to the future of Benin’s national squads across all age groups.
This targeted approach aims to secure a steady pipeline of talent, ensuring the long-term competitiveness of the Squirrels — a nickname for the national team — on the continental and global stages.
According to sources close to 229foot, the unit has already identified several standout prospects who could play pivotal roles in Beninese football in the years to come.
The detection program is viewed as an essential component of the federation’s broader strategy to capitalize on the diaspora’s rich talent pool, which has often been overlooked in the past.
The involvement of respected former players like Adenon is seen as invaluable, not only for their eye for talent but also for their ability to inspire and mentor young athletes navigating the challenges of dual nationality decisions.
Their personal experiences at high levels of the sport equip them to guide these emerging players towards making informed choices about representing Benin internationally.
By reinforcing its scouting infrastructure and focusing on youth development, Benin is positioning itself to compete more consistently with African football’s traditional powers.
The dual nationality detection unit exemplifies this forward-thinking vision, combining technical expertise with cultural connection to strengthen the national teams.
Khaled Adenon’s transition from captain on the pitch to talent scout off it marks an important moment for Beninese football.
His dedication to nurturing future generations reflects a broader effort to build a sustainable football legacy rooted in both homegrown talent and the global Beninese community.
