Badou Zaki Denies Mali Contract Talks, Remains Fully Focused on Niger

Rabat – Former Morocco national team coach Badou Zaki has strongly denied holding any negotiations with the Malian Football Federation (FEMAFOOT).

Zaki’s denial comes despite his name appearing on Mali’s official shortlist for their vacant head coaching position. The federation published a final five-man shortlist on its official social media channels on Tuesday.

According to SNRTnews, the Moroccan tactician expressed surprise at the inclusion of his name. He clarified that no official contact has taken place between himself and the Malian authorities.

“If we listen to agents, my name would be linked to twenty teams,” Zaki stated in an exclusive interview with SNRTnews. “The reality is that I have not spoken with the Malian Federation at all.

“Atlas Lions: Mohamed Ouahbi Confirms FRMF Contract Until 2030(Opens in a new browser tab)

No direct contact

FEMAFOOT announced that an official committee reviewed 28 applications starting May 13. They trimmed the list down to five high-profile managers.

The federation selected candidates based on elite qualifications, such as holding CAF Pro or UEFA Pro licenses. Zaki was named alongside Florent Ibenge, Mohamed Magassouba, Toni Conceição, and Anthony Da Silva.

While Mali plans to hold advanced interviews before making a final decision by May 24, Zaki confirmed he is not part of any ongoing talks.

Focus stays firmly on Niger

Zaki is currently stationed in Niamey, the capital of Niger. He confirmed that he fully respects his active contract with the Niger national team.

His complete focus remains on preparing Niger’s squad for the upcoming FIFA international window in June. The team is organizing a training camp in Casablanca, Morocco. They are currently finalizing friendly matches against Sudan and Botswana.

“We waited for the AFCON 2027 draw results first,” Zaki told SNRTnews. “We did not want to schedule friendlies against teams in our qualification group.”

Preparing for the Atlas Lions challenge

The draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers placed Niger in Group A. They will face Morocco, Gabon, and Lesotho.

This means Zaki will once again manage against his home country, Morocco. The two nations previously faced each other during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Zaki notes that Morocco enters Group A as the clear heavy favorite.

However, Zaki remains entirely committed to fighting for Niger’s qualification chances rather than looking at other continental vacancies.