Niger will now face Sudan in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at the KG Stadium in Lomé, Togo, after a late venue change. Originally scheduled to take place in Rabat, Morocco, the game has been relocated following a decision by the Nigerien Football Federation to adopt Togo as their temporary home ground.
The venue shift comes after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) did not grant approval for the previously chosen Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
The stadium was initially selected by Niger due to its Category Three status, which generally meets CAF standards for international matches.
However, specific regulatory issues prevented final authorization, forcing Niger to identify an alternative location.
Without an approved stadium in Niger for hosting competitive international fixtures, the federation initially made arrangements to play at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, a 12,000-seat facility.
Preparations had even begun with the team setting up camp in Morocco to acclimatize to the conditions.
The abrupt change to Togo has required adjustments, with players and coaching staff shifting their base from Rabat to Lomé to resume training for the qualifier scheduled for Thursday, November 14.
The change of location marks a significant logistical move as Niger looks to maintain its focus amid shifting conditions.
The KG Stadium in Lomé, an established venue, was quickly approved by CAF, allowing the qualifier to proceed on the new date without further disruption.
Niger, currently seeking a chance to progress in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, will aim to reverse their fortunes after suffering a narrow 1-0 loss to Sudan in the previous leg.
That earlier encounter in September saw Sudan secure a victory over Niger at the Juba Stadium, with Abu Bakr scoring the only goal in the second half to clinch the win.
Sudan’s triumph in that fixture added pressure on Niger, who are now tasked with making the most of their adopted venue in Lomé to secure essential points in Group F.
Both teams enter Thursday’s match with the stakes high.
Sudan will be looking to build on their recent success against Niger and solidify their position within the group, while Niger aims to leverage the neutral setting in Togo to their advantage.
Playing away from home yet again, Niger’s players are expected to channel their focus on overcoming the disruption and competing effectively in Lomé.
This development is emblematic of the challenges faced by certain African nations lacking CAF-certified stadiums, a recurring issue that has led several teams to seek temporary hosting grounds.
As Niger and Sudan prepare to meet, the spotlight will be on how both teams adapt to the unforeseen changes and push forward in the AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign.
