Niger’s national football team coach, Badou Zaki, has officially named the 26-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifiers. Niger, nicknamed the Menas, will face Sudan and Ghana in their bid to return to the tournament, which will be held in Morocco. The squad selection was announced at the Niger Football Federation (FENIFOOT) headquarters and includes a mix of experienced players and emerging talents.
Badou Zaki, a well-respected Moroccan coach now leading Niger’s national team, has chosen a balanced squad with three goalkeepers, ten defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards.
Among the notable inclusions are key players such as Zakari Adebayo, who currently plays in Tanzania, Hainikoye Soumana from TP Mazembe, and Youssouf Oumarou of Stade Tunisien.
The roster highlights Zaki’s intent to create a solid and competitive team as they gear up for the qualifiers.
Niger’s quest for qualification will begin on September 4, 2024, when they host Sudan, also known as the Nile Crocodiles.
Just days later, they will travel to Ghana for a crucial away fixture against the Black Stars on September 9.
For Niger, these two matches are vital as they aim to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2013.
The Menas are seeking their third appearance at the prestigious continental tournament, and Zaki’s selections reflect a determination to make that dream a reality.
The chosen squad consists of a combination of domestic and international players, with the defense strengthened by ten defenders.
Key figures like Abdoulaye Katkore and Bonkano Abdel Rahim have been selected to provide a strong backline.
In midfield, leaders such as Youssouf Oumarou and Ousmane Diabaté will be expected to control the tempo and link up with the attack.
The attacking lineup features the likes of Zakari Adebayo and Boubacar Djibril, who are tasked with delivering the goals needed to ensure success in these critical qualifying matches.
The presence of seasoned forwards alongside promising young talent is a testament to Zaki’s strategy of mixing experience with youth.
This is the full list of Niger’s squad for the AFCON 2025 qualifiers:
Goalkeepers (3):
- Mahamadou Tandja
- Younoussa Hainikoye Abiboulaye
- Mainassara Babari Yahaya
Defenders (10):
- Abdoulaye Katkore
- Bonkano Abdel Rahim
- Oumar Sako
- Hassane Abdou
- Abu Yankuba
- Abdoul Nasser
- Kasali Abdoul Kader
- Laouali Phillipe
- Koubenou Jules
- Hainikoye Boubacar
Midfielders (6):
- Youssouf Oumarou
- Danrakoum Moumouni
- Youssef Daouda
- Chaibou Abdel Nasser
- Ousmane Diabaté
- Kassa Moussa
Forwards (7):
- Zakari Adebayo
- Boubacar Djibril
- Hainikoye Soumana
- Koudizé Moussa
- Abdoulaye Issoufou
- Yacouba Aboubacar
- Ibrahim Malam Ousmane
Coach Badou Zaki will look to guide Niger through these crucial fixtures with a combination of tactical discipline and ambition.
The upcoming games offer a significant test for the Menas, but the team is hopeful that this blend of talent and experience will be enough to secure positive results.
Success in these early qualifiers will be vital if Niger is to make a return to the AFCON stage and compete against Africa’s best teams in Morocco.
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