Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>Background</bold> : Appropriate dietary practices are essential for football performance and health; however, data from Sub-Saharan Africa remain limited. <bold>Methods</bold> : This cross-sectional pilot study assessed dietary habits, nutritional status, and club-level nutrition support among 186 male football players in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. <bold>Results</bold> : Most players had a normal BMI (83.9%) and reported regular consumption of major food groups. However, 48.4% consumed only three meals per day, 54.8% did not follow pre-competition dietary practices, and 61.3% reported lack of club-level nutritional support. No statistically significant predictors of BMI were identified. <bold>Conclusion</bold> : Despite generally acceptable BMI profiles, important gaps exist in meal organization, hydration practices, and institutional nutrition support. Context-adapted nutrition interventions are needed to improve dietary practices among football players in this setting. </p>