AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Niger coach bemoans lack of home advantage ahead of Morocco clash

Niger head coach Nabil Neghiz says he would have preferred to host Morocco on home soil as his side prepare for two difficult encounters against the Atlas Lions in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Algerian coach expressed his disappointment at being unable to welcome Morocco in front of Nigerien supporters, with infrastructure constraints forcing both fixtures to be played in Morocco.

Speaking ahead of the third and fourth rounds of the qualifying campaign, Neghiz acknowledged the challenge facing his team against one of Africa’s strongest national sides.

He pointed to Morocco’s squad depth, the number of players competing in Europe’s leading leagues and the international experience accumulated by the Atlas Lions in recent years.

Despite recognising the difference in quality between the two teams, Neghiz insisted that Niger would not approach the double-header with a defeated mentality.

Neghiz confident Niger can compete against Morocco

The Niger coach explained that his technical staff are working to prepare the team thoroughly, with the aim of delivering competitive performances and taking advantage of any opportunities that emerge during the two encounters.

He also believes positive results remain possible if his players demonstrate tactical discipline, organisation and concentration throughout both matches.

However, Neghiz admitted that playing at least one of the fixtures in Niger would have given his team an important advantage, particularly with the backing of their home supporters.

The absence of suitable infrastructure, however, has prevented Niger from hosting the Atlas Lions, leaving the team to face both matches on Moroccan territory.

Morocco to host both AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Morocco will welcome Niger twice within four days, with the opening encounter scheduled for Friday, November 13, at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.

Kick-off is set for 8pm local time, before the two sides meet again on Tuesday, November 17, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

The two matches form part of the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

For Morocco, the double-header presents an opportunity to strengthen their position in the qualifying group, while Niger will be hoping to produce competitive performances against the North African giants.

With both matches taking place in Morocco, Neghiz’s side face the additional challenge of playing without the home support he had hoped would inspire his players against one of the continent’s leading football nations.