Niger’s national team will face Guinea and Zimbabwe in a pair of international friendlies next month as part of their preparations for the next phase of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Scheduled during the upcoming FIFA international window, the Mena will meet Guinea on 6 June and then Zimbabwe on 10 June, with both encounters taking place in Morocco.
The venues for the fixtures are expected to be confirmed in the coming days, but Morocco has become a familiar setting for Niger, regularly serving as their base for training and neutral-ground fixtures.
With the race to the World Cup heating up, the Nigerien Football Federation is aiming to maximise the team’s competitive edge during this period.
Niger currently sits fourth in Group E with six points from four matches and remains firmly in the hunt for a historic qualification to the tournament in North America.
“These friendly matches are designed to help the team raise their game tactically and physically,” a source within the federation said. Head coach Harouna Doula is reportedly viewing these fixtures as a chance to refine key aspects of the team’s play while experimenting with potential additions to the squad ahead of decisive qualifiers later in the year.
Guinea and Zimbabwe offer exactly the sort of opposition Niger is seeking at this stage of their preparations.
Guinea, with its consistent presence in major African competitions, and Zimbabwe, known for their combative style, present real challenges that will allow the coaching staff to evaluate the squad’s progress under pressure.
Beyond team strategy, the two matches also provide a window for players to impress on an international stage.
Key squad members will be closely monitored for fitness and form, while others on the fringes of the squad will be given the opportunity to stake their claim ahead of the crucial qualification fixtures set for the autumn.
Niger’s recent performances have shown signs of promise, but there remains work to do.
The June friendlies are seen as a vital step in maintaining momentum and cohesion in a team that has ambitions of making history by reaching the World Cup for the first time.
As anticipation builds, the Mena will hope that their time in Morocco not only sharpens their tactical edge but also strengthens their belief that the road to 2026 remains open.
