Burkina Faso has appointed Abdou Amir, the former coach of Comoros and Mauritania, as head coach of its men’s national football team, tasking him with guiding the side to qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 53-year-old coach was officially introduced on Wednesday by the president of the Burkinabè Football Federation, following what the federation described as a “rigorous examination” of candidates to replace Brama Traoré.
Traoré was dismissed in January after the team’s disappointing performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the Stallions were eliminated in the round of 16 by Ivory Coast.
Amir, who most recently coached Hassania Agadir in Morocco’s top division, is widely recognized for his tactical approach and his ability to build disciplined teams with solid defenses.
Speaking at his unveiling, the Franco-Comorian coach emphasized the importance of national pride and commitment.
“Wearing the jersey of a national team isn’t an achievement in itself. It’s about playing for the national team,” Amir said. “The players need to understand that the team, and above all the nation, comes first. Patriotism is important.”
The federation acknowledged that the team’s performance in Morocco had caused “deep disappointment” among fans, football stakeholders and governing bodies.
Amir’s immediate mission will be to rebuild confidence and restore pride in the national side.
“I know the last campaign was not a success,” he said. “We will work closely with the players. These generations are different from those of 20 years ago. They need reassurance, guidance and support, and I will be there to help them reach the required level quickly.”
Amir previously guided Comoros to the knockout stage of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and later oversaw a strong campaign with Mauritania at the following edition hosted by Ivory Coast.
Burkina Faso also exited that tournament in the round of 16, although the Stallions had earlier reached the semifinals of the 2021 competition before losing to eventual champions Senegal.
