Nabil Neghiz set to replace Badou Zaki as Niger head coach

Nabil Neghiz is expected to be named the new head coach of Niger, succeeding Morocco’s Badou Zaki with the announcement due on Friday.

The Niger Football Federation (Fenifoot) announced on its official Facebook page that the country’s new manager would be confirmed ahead of the international break, which begins in 10 days.

According to El Heddaf TV, Algerian coach Neghiz is in line to take charge of the Mena after Zaki was appointed manager of Jordan at the end of July.

Neghiz has been without a club for a month and a half. The 59-year-old, who turns 59 on 25 September, is familiar with international football after serving as an assistant with Algeria between 2014 and 2017.

He returned to the Algeria coaching staff in March 2024 and remained in the role until August under Vladimir Petkovic.

Neghiz’s first squad as Niger manager is expected to be announced shortly after his appointment. His opening fixtures will be in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with Niger facing Lesotho and Gabon on 25 and 29 September respectively.

He will then come up against Algeria, his former team, in a friendly on 6 October. The match will also give the coach an opportunity to return to Tizi Ouzou.

The main task facing Neghiz will be to guide Niger to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The country have not reached the tournament’s finals since their second appearance in 2013.

Zaki’s departure followed his appointment by Jordan at the end of July, leaving Niger seeking a replacement before the next round of international fixtures. Fenifoot has indicated that the identity of the new coach will be formally confirmed on Friday.