ESTAC Troyes left-back Anis Ouzenadji, called up by the Algeria Under-23s, tells DZfoot why he chose the Greens. He also gives a reassuring update on his ankle injury, which is clearly improving, and sets out his ambition to join the senior Fennecs one day.
In an exclusive interview with DZfoot, picked up by Fennec Football, ESTAC Troyes left-back Anis Ouzenadji looks back on his change of sporting nationality. Confirmed in September 2026, the decision opens the door to the Algeria national team after two appearances with the France Under-19s.
Born on 4 November 2006 in Aubervilliers, Ouzenadji was a Ligue 2 champion last season. After that campaign, he celebrated his first professional appearances. His first call-up with the Algeria Under-23s came during a tour of South Africa.
“The call came naturally”
Algeria Under-23 coach Rafik Saïfi contacted the player’s father directly to make the move happen. The player himself is blunt about what the choice means: “The call came naturally. It’s a great source of pride. It’s my parents’ country, the country I visit every summer. My whole family is in Algeria.”
That family bond explains the attachment he shows to his parents’ country, which he has returned to every summer since childhood.
An ankle injury, recovery well under way
His first stint with the Algeria Under-23s was also marked by an ankle injury picked up during that camp. It kept him out of Troyes’ final league games.
The player is reassuring about his fitness: “It’s better, I’m recovering little by little.”
The U23 AFCON first, the senior Fennecs next
Before dreaming bigger, the immediate goal is clear. “Our first objective is qualification for the AFCON. The qualifiers start at the next camp, we have to get through this stage.” Algeria’s U23 AFCON qualifiers begin at the next international break.
Ouzenadji names Riyad Mahrez, Algeria’s forward and captain, as his absolute footballing role model. Longer term, he is targeting a place with the senior Fennecs alongside Rayan Aït-Nouri and Jaouen Hadjam.
At club level, Troyes host Toulouse FC on Saturday 24 October 2026, on matchday 8 of Ligue 1. It remains to be seen whether the left-back, recovering little by little, will feature.