Togo defender Izak Akakpo says he is determined to “give everything for the country and the Togolese jersey” as the Hawks begin preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Akakpo experienced an emotional return to the Kégué Stadium in Lomé on Monday, taking part in his first training session with the national team at a venue he had visited as a child.
Ten years after watching at the stadium, the young defender returned to the same pitch wearing Togo’s national team shirt.
The moment carried particular significance for Akakpo, who recalled being told as a child that he could one day play at the stadium in his football boots.
“Honestly, it’s a source of pride to be in this stadium, to be at home. I was here ten years ago, when I was little. And they told me: ‘I hope that one day you’ll play on this pitch with your cleats.’ And now, it’s a childhood dream come true.”
Akakpo’s arrival represents a significant moment for a young member of the Togolese squad as the Francophone West African country prepares for the start of its qualification campaign.
But despite the personal significance of his first training session at Kégué Stadium, the defender is already turning his attention towards Togo’s competitive objectives.
The Hawks are preparing for matches against Burundi and Zambia as they begin their campaign for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Akakpo believes Togo must maintain a strong collective mentality and concentrate on its own performance rather than becoming distracted by the identity of its opponents.
“We know it’s important, it’s an important match, qualification. But we’re in a good frame of mind. I think the two training camps were a good sign.
“And we’re going to keep this fighting spirit so we can bring home the victory. I think we need to focus mainly on ourselves. It’s about giving our all.”
The defender’s message is centred on commitment, with Akakpo insisting that the Hawks must approach every qualifying match with the same determination.
For him, the difficulty of qualification means Togo cannot afford to underestimate any opponent.
“Regardless of the opponent, qualification will be tough. It doesn’t matter if it’s Burundi, Algeria, or Zambia. So give it your all and bring home the victory in the end. Force the issue of honor. And above all, support the fighters on the field. Give everything for the country and the Togolese jersey.”
Akakpo’s words come as Togo’s squad continues to come together in Lomé.
The national team is expected to be at full strength on Tuesday, when the remaining players arrive to join preparations.
The coaching staff will also be monitoring the fitness of captain Djene Dakonam, whose availability remains uncertain.
Djene is therefore another important issue for the Hawks as they prepare for the qualifiers, while Akakpo’s emergence provides a glimpse of the younger generation coming through the Togolese set-up.
With the squad expected to be complete on Tuesday and the situation of captain Djene still being monitored, preparations are continuing in Lomé.
