Benin football authorities are intensifying efforts to identify new talent abroad, with a major scouting initiative targeting players of Beninese descent living in Europe.
The Beninese Football Federation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, has launched a recruitment campaign in France aimed at discovering promising young players who could strengthen the country’s national teams in the coming years.
The initiative reflects a growing trend among African nations to tap into their diaspora, particularly in Europe, where many young footballers are developing within competitive leagues and academies.
As part of the programme, a special event will be held at the Marcel Cerdan sports complex in Pantin, located in the suburbs of Paris.
The gathering is expected to bring together a wide pool of talent over a two-day period, offering an opportunity for players to showcase their abilities in front of national selectors.
The scouting event will focus on youth categories, with players under the ages of 17, 20 and 23 eligible to participate.
Organisers have specified that participants must be born between 2003 and 2010, ensuring that the focus remains on developing the next generation of footballers.
The schedule has been designed to accommodate both male and female players.
The first day of the event, Thursday, May 14, will be dedicated to female footballers, highlighting a commitment to promoting women’s football alongside the men’s game.
The following day, Friday, May 15, will be reserved for male players.
Officials say the initiative is open to players from a variety of backgrounds, but emphasise that selection will be based on quality and performance levels.
For male participants, the process will involve both national and regional evaluation standards, while the criteria for female players will extend from national level down to departmental competitions.
The campaign is not limited to France alone. Eligible players currently registered with clubs in countries such as Belgium, Germany and other European nations are also encouraged to take part.
This wider scope reflects the federation’s ambition to cast a broad net in its search for talent.
To participate, players are required to present a valid identity card or passport, ensuring proper verification of eligibility.
For Benin, the initiative represents a strategic step towards building stronger national teams by integrating players with diverse footballing experiences.
By engaging with the diaspora, the federation hopes to uncover individuals capable of contributing to the country’s long-term ambitions on the continental stage.
As the scouting event approaches, attention will turn to Pantin, where a new generation of players could take their first steps towards representing Benin at international level.
