Togo coach Patrice Neveu nearly came to blows with a journalist after a heated exchange during the press conference announcing his squad for the upcoming double-header against Algeria.

The incident began when a journalist asked Patrice Neveu about his objectives as head coach of the national team. The Frenchman explained that his immediate priority was to rebuild the national team rather than focus solely on qualifying for the next Africa Cup of Nations. However, he appeared unhappy with the question and suggested that the journalist wanted to undermine his work, creating tension in the room.

The situation escalated after the press conference ended. Patrice Neveu reportedly approached the journalist who had questioned his ambitions, prompting staff members and other reporters to intervene and prevent the confrontation from turning physical. The incident adds tension as Togo prepares to face Algeria twice in the coming days, putting the spotlight on the new coach even before the team takes the field.