Niger coach Nabil Neghiz targets Morocco upset as Mena chase crucial AFCON 2027 qualifying points

Niger head coach Nabil Neghiz has challenged his players to defy the odds and secure at least one point from their two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying encounters against Morocco in November.

The Mena face a difficult assignment against the Atlas Lions, with both matches scheduled to take place on Moroccan soil after Niger failed to secure approval for a stadium in their home country.

The two encounters, which constitute the third and fourth rounds of qualifying, will be played in Casablanca and Rabat, leaving Niger without the backing of their home supporters for another crucial international window.

Despite the considerable difference in quality and resources between the two sides, Neghiz believes his team can compete and has identified the double-header as an opportunity to improve their position in Group qualifying.

Niger, who last featured at the AFCON finals in 2013, are looking to end a lengthy absence from the continental showpiece and understand the importance of collecting points before the final two qualifying rounds in March.

Five years without a home advantage for Niger

Niger’s preparations have been complicated by their inability to host competitive international fixtures at home, with the team effectively playing as visitors or at neutral venues for almost five years.

Their last competitive home match in Niamey was a 7-2 victory over Djibouti on November 15, 2021, during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Stade du Général Seyni-Kountché is currently undergoing renovation, while plans for a new stadium are being considered for 2028.

The prolonged absence of home support has been a significant challenge for the Mena, although Neghiz believes the November schedule offers a logistical improvement compared to their previous international assignments.

In September, Niger travelled to Accra to beat Lesotho 2-1 before making another journey to Franceville, where they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Gabon just four days later.

“In September, we faced long journeys, had little time to recover and were able to train only a small amount,” Neghiz told Afrik-Foot.

“Playing both matches in Morocco, in two cities only 90 kilometres apart, will be different. That is the advantage, even though we would have preferred to play in front of our own fans.”

Neghiz wary of Morocco’s star-studded squad

The Niger coach has acknowledged the challenge of facing Morocco, who enter the double-header as overwhelming favourites given their recent performances and the quality of their squad.

The Atlas Lions, who reached the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, boast several established European-based players, including Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz, Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi and Bayern Munich midfielder Ismael Saibari.

Niger also have painful memories of their previous meetings with Morocco, having suffered a 2-1 defeat in Oujda before being thrashed 5-0 in Rabat during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in 2025.

Neghiz expects another demanding examination but insists his players must approach the matches with the right mentality.

“Playing the best national team in Africa, a World Cup quarter-finalist, on their own ground will be difficult,” he said.

“They are a very strong team. Players such as Brahim Diaz, Achraf Hakimi and Ismael Saibari play for some of the best clubs in the world, including Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern.

“Morocco are formidable at home, but they are also strong away from home. We know what awaits us.”

Niger set sights on upsetting Group favourites

Although Neghiz recognises Morocco and Gabon as the leading contenders in the group, he believes Niger must remain ambitious if they are to secure qualification for the 2027 tournament.

The coach has therefore set a minimum target of collecting one point from the two matches against the Atlas Lions before the final qualifying fixtures in March.

“Morocco and Gabon are the favourites, but we must have objectives,” he said.

“Before the final two matchdays in March, we should aim to take at least one point against the Atlas Lions.

“We know it will be difficult and that we will not have much possession, but we must manage Morocco’s periods of pressure, as well as our own.”

Niger can draw encouragement from their performances on the road in recent years, having secured a 2-1 victory in Ghana in 2024 before recording 1-0 wins against Tanzania and Zambia in 2025.

Neghiz backs his players to rise to the occasion

Despite acknowledging the individual quality gap between the two nations, Neghiz remains confident that his squad possesses the technical, physical and mental attributes required to compete.

Niger have a handful of players featuring in prominent leagues, including Bologna’s Rahim Alhassane and Lecce’s Konnan N’Dri in Italy’s Serie A.

Oumar Sako represents Russian side Rostov, while Ali Mohamed plays for Israeli club Maccabi Haifa. Other members of the squad are based in domestic football and leagues in Lebanon, Albania, Luxembourg, Guinea and Bahrain.

Neghiz, who is scheduled to announce his squad on Saturday, believes commitment and national pride can help his players overcome the challenge posed by Morocco.

“We know the Moroccans are superior, but we have technical, physical and mental qualities,” he added.

“My players are proud to wear their country’s shirt and give everything in every match.”