{
  "id": 6899532,
  "title": "Zidane names Lens defender Ganiou in France preliminary squad",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/zidane-names-lens-defender-ganiou-in-france-preliminary-squad",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-12T09:19:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/12/zidane-names-lens-defender-ganiou-in-france-preliminary-squad/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "France's upcoming manager, Zinedine Zidane, has added Lens defender Ismaïlo Ganiou to his provisional squad for their match against Turkey. The 21-year-old is set to make his senior debut for France, despite having previously played for Burkina Faso. Ganiou has been called in for a preliminary selection, just before the official squad is announced on September 18. This move comes after the coach observed Ganiou's exceptional performances at Lens, particularly during a Champions Trophy match against Paris Saint-Germain. The young defender's impressive form continued with a standout appearance in a Champions League match against Slavia Prague, where he was one of the standout players in France's defense. Ganiou has previously represented Burkina Faso and the France Under-21s but has now chosen to play for his new nation. Among the other members of Zidane's provisional squad are Ganiou's Lens teammates Florian Thauvin and Mathieu Udol, both of whom have already been part of France's senior team.",
  "summary": "France’s new manager, Zinedine Zidane, has included Lens defender Ismaïlo Ganiou in his provisional squad for their upcoming game against Turkey. The 21-year-old is on the verge of making his senior debut for France under Zidane, despite having previously featured for Burkina Faso. He has received a preliminary call-up ahead of the squad announcement scheduled […] Zidane names Lens defender…",
  "key_points": [
    "Zinedine Zidane adds Ismaïlo Ganiou to France's provisional squad.",
    "21-year-old defender debuts for France despite previous Burkina Faso appearances.",
    "Ganiou impresses in Champions Trophy and Champions League matches."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}