Niger Faces Coaching Dilemma as AFCON Qualifiers Loom
With less than two months remaining until their opening match in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, Niger finds itself in a precarious situation—still without a coach. This unresolved coaching dilemma has sparked concern among the Mena supporters, who are anxious about the team’s preparations and prospects in the upcoming campaign.
The Niger Football Federation (Fénifoot) is under pressure to act swiftly, and while no formal bid has been launched, reports suggest that officials are in active discussions with José Anigo, the former Olympique de Marseille coach. Anigo, who has spent nearly nine months in Africa, is reportedly eager to take on a challenge as head coach of a national team on the continent. The French tactician has previously been linked with coaching roles in Senegal and Mali, but it now appears that Niger is his most likely destination.
Sources close to Fénifoot indicate that Anigo is being strongly considered for the role. In an unprecedented offer, the coach is said to have proposed an extensive plan that would see him manage both the senior national team and the local side competing in the African Nations Championship (CHAN). In addition to this dual responsibility, Anigo has expressed interest in taking on the role of national technical director. This position would allow him to oversee the development of football at the grassroots level, including contributing to the strengthening of Niger’s domestic league.
Niger’s national team, known as the Mena, is currently placed in Group K of the 2017 AFCON qualifiers alongside Senegal, Burundi, and Namibia. With their first qualifier fast approaching, the need for stable leadership has become even more pressing. The Mena has been without a permanent coach since the departure of Gernot Rohr, who left his position in 2015 after a brief and somewhat turbulent tenure.
The situation has caused growing frustration among fans, who are eager to see their team progress on the continental stage. Niger’s squad, although talented, has struggled to find consistency in recent years, and many are hoping that a fresh approach under Anigo could provide the spark needed for a successful qualifying campaign.
As the clock ticks down to their first match, the Fénifoot officials are expected to make a final decision in the coming days. Should negotiations with Anigo proceed smoothly, the French coach will be tasked with guiding the Mena through what promises to be a challenging group stage in the race for a spot at the 2017 AFCON finals.
