Brahim Hemdani has urged Algeria to show patience with teenage dual nationals as the federation attempts to secure the international futures of players such as 16-year-old Mezian Mesloub.
Hemdani, speaking at his first news conference as Algeria manager, said his backroom team had already devoted significant time to players eligible to represent more than one country. However, he warned that adolescents should not be pushed into making decisions with long-term consequences before they are ready.
“There are a number of players who have a choice between several national teams. Last week, we spent a lot of time on these cases and we are trying to convince them. It is a complicated process, but we will do everything we can,” he said.
Mesloub is among the most prominent of the young players currently attracting attention from several federations. The attacking midfielder, who is the son of former Algeria international Walid Mesloub, is eligible to play for Algeria, France or Portugal. He currently represents Portugal at youth level.
Hemdani did not identify any player specifically, but his comments come as the Federation Algerienne de Football (FAF) increases its efforts to build relationships with dual nationals.
A second approach has reportedly been made to Mesloub’s representatives in recent weeks, although no agreement has been reached. The latest information suggests the teenager currently wants to continue his development with Portugal’s youth teams before deciding at a later stage where his senior international future lies.
That stance reflects Hemdani’s wider concerns about the demands placed on very young players. He said it was difficult to expect teenagers to make a definitive choice between countries with which they may all have strong personal and family connections.
“At that age, they are not necessarily mature enough to decide,” Hemdani said.
Mesloub’s situation highlights the complexity of the issue. At only 16, he is already being considered by three national associations, while his professional career is still in its early stages.
Algeria does have links that could strengthen its case. His father, Walid Mesloub, won seven caps for the Fennecs, while Riyad Mahrez is understood to be a particularly popular figure with the youngster. Mahrez knows the former player from their time together at Le Havre.
The possibility of involving the former Algeria captain to help open dialogue with Mesloub’s family has been discussed, although there is no confirmation that Mahrez has been asked to intervene.
For Hemdani, the challenge is to explain Algeria’s plans and make young players feel wanted without turning their international choice into a rushed decision.
The FAF also recognises that delay could allow other major federations to strengthen their position. Yet, in a case involving a player as young as Mesloub, demanding an immediate final answer could prove counterproductive.
Algeria will continue trying to persuade its dual nationals, but Hemdani has made clear that some decisions will require patience.