Sports journalist Martin Camus Mimb has voiced concerns regarding the lack of coherence in the choices made by African coaches for the 2026 World Cup. According to him, controversies surrounding player lists are unavoidable, but in Africa, they are often worsened by non-sporting factors.
Mimb denounces the influence of settling scores, political or tribal pressures, and interests related to agents in the call-ups. He contrasts this situation with European teams, where performance, profile, and continuity criteria are generally prioritized. He insists on the need for a minimum of coherence in Africa to value the competence of players.
"There should be a minimum of coherence in Africa to magnify competence," he asserts, emphasizing that the lack of coherence discredits African coaches, despite their skills. He cites the example of Didier Deschamps, the French coach, whose choices may be challenged but remain consistent in terms of game ideas and player observation.
Mimb criticizes inconsistent decisions, such as leaving Adingra in Côte d'Ivoire during the last AFCON due to his lack of playing time at the club, then calling up Nguessan for the World Cup in a similar situation. He also questions the selection of players playing in second-tier leagues at the expense of those performing in major leagues.
He warns against the risk of establishing "shambles" as a working method if results are achieved despite these inconsistencies. For Mimb, this approach has limits and can lead to stagnation. He warns that Ivorian coach Faé could be criticized if his team does not perform, despite his victory at the AFCON.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will begin on June 11, 2026, and will see the participation of 48 teams. The African qualifiers are underway, and pressure is mounting on coaches to build competitive and coherent teams.
Martin Camus Mimb's analysis highlights the specific challenges faced by African coaches, torn between sporting considerations and external pressures. The quest for coherence in selections remains a major challenge to improve the performance of African teams on the international stage.
