Former Togo captain Emmanuel Adebayor has visited the national team ahead of their opening match in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, offering his support to the players before their meeting with Burundi.
Adebayor met the squad two days before Friday’s Group I fixture at the Kégué Stadium, speaking with the players and encouraging them as they complete preparations for the start of their qualifying campaign.
The former Hawks captain’s appearance comes as Patrice Neveu’s squad reaches the final stages of its preparations, with the team now complete ahead of the opening round of matches.
Adebayor later used social media to underline his support for the national team and called on the country to stand behind the players.
“Today, I simply came to support the players, to give them strength and to remind them that all of Togo is behind them ,” he wrote.
The former international also looked ahead to Friday’s fixture, describing it as the beginning of another stage in Togo’s attempt to reach the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
“On Friday against Burundi, a new stage awaits us on the road to the 2027 AFCON.
Let’s stay united, believe in this team, and push it forward together. I hope this will be the start of a new chapter for Togolese football. All together for Togo.”
Togo will face Burundi on 25 September 2026 in a Group I qualifying match for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The encounter at the Kégué Stadium will mark the beginning of Togo’s campaign in the qualifying competition, with the Sparrowhawks looking to make a positive start.
Adebayor’s visit provided an opportunity for one of the most recognisable figures in Togolese football to reconnect with the national team and offer encouragement before the players begin their qualifying campaign.
The former captain’s message focused on unity and collective support, urging the players and supporters to approach the campaign together.
His visit also comes at an important point in the team’s preparations, with Neveu’s squad now complete and making its final adjustments before Friday’s match.
Adebayor has remained an iconic figure in Togolese football, having previously captained the Hawks.
His presence ahead of the Burundi match therefore offered the current squad a message of support from a former leader of the national team.
The Sparrowhawks will begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying journey against Burundi on Friday, with the Kégué Stadium providing the setting for their opening Group I fixture.
