Lilian Brassier will make his first appearance for Togo after being included in Patrice Neveu’s squad for the two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches against Algeria.

The Eintracht Frankfurt centre-back, who has established himself as a starter in the Bundesliga, is a major addition for the Eperviers as they prepare for a difficult double-header.

Togo began their qualifying campaign with victory over Burundi but then lost to Zambia, leaving them under pressure before facing Algeria twice. Neveu, who was appointed in February, believes Brassier’s decision will strengthen the team and make the national side more attractive to other players considering an international switch.

Brassier was born in France to a Guadeloupean father and a Togolese mother. The 27-year-old spent several months weighing up his options before deciding to represent Togo.

“It wasn’t easy, and that is also the case for other players such as Khaled Narey, who is still thinking about it. We are paying for the dysfunctions that existed long before,” Neveu said.

He added: “I contacted Lilian Brassier as soon as I arrived. The good matches we played during the preparations, and the feedback he received from his team-mates, probably made him think about it. He gave me his agreement.

“For us, he is a valuable addition, but also a strong signal to the other players who are waiting or arriving to strengthen the national team.”

Experience at the back

Brassier came through the academy at Rennes before making his name at Brest, where he became one of Ligue 1’s most effective central defenders. His move to Olympique de Marseille for the 2024-2025 season proved more difficult, but he returned to his best level at his formative club last season.

After joining Eintracht Frankfurt last summer, the left-footed defender quickly secured a regular starting place.

Athletic and strong in challenges, Brassier is also capable of defending on the front foot. His ability to build from the back with his left foot and break defensive lines with his passing could make him particularly useful in Neveu’s preferred three-man defence.

He could operate as the left-sided centre-back alongside Kevin Boma of RB Salzburg and captain Djene Dakonam of Getafe, giving Togo an experienced and promising-looking defensive unit.

The challenge will be to make that improvement count against Algeria, the favourites in the tie. Togo’s immediate aim will be to avoid suffering two defeats, with taking at least one point from the matches regarded as a positive outcome before fixtures against Zambia and Burundi.

The Eperviers are seeking a return to the Africa Cup of Nations finals, having last appeared at the tournament in 2017.

The side led by Emmanuel Adebayor to the quarter-finals of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations now feels like a distant memory, but Togo have emerging talent in Karim Dermane, Kevin Denkey and Kevin Boma, alongside experienced figures including Djene Dakonam and Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba.

Reaching the finals will be difficult, but Brassier’s arrival gives Togo another reason to believe they can rebuild a competitive team.