The Benin national soccer team, nicknamed "The Squirrels," represents Benin in international soccer competitions. Established in 1962, the team is governed by the Benin Football Federation and is a member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA.

History and Major Successes

Throughout its history, the Benin national team has experienced moderate success on the international stage. The team has qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on a few occasions. Their first appearance in the tournament was in 2004. However, it was during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations that Benin achieved its most notable success. The team reached the quarter-finals, marking their best performance in the competition to date. They achieved this feat by defeating Morocco in the Round of 16, an unexpected victory that marked a significant achievement for the team.

Notable Players

• Stéphane Sessègnon: A key figure in Benin's soccer history, Sessègnon has been an influential player for the national team. Known for his skill and leadership on the field, he has also played for several European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Sunderland.
• Sessi D'Almeida: A midfielder known for his tenacity and work rate, D'Almeida has been a significant presence in the squad, contributing to the team's defensive strength.
• Mickaël Poté: A forward with a knack for scoring important goals, Poté has been a crucial part of the team's attacking lineup.

Notable Coaches

• Michel Dussuyer: A French coach who led the team during their successful 2019 AFCON campaign. His tactical acumen and experience were pivotal in helping Benin reach the quarter-finals of the tournament.
• Oumar Tchomogo: A former player who took on the coaching role, Tchomogo has been involved in various capacities with the national team, contributing to its development and progress.

The Benin national team continues to improve and aims to build on its recent successes to make a stronger impact in future international competitions.