Super Eagles’ Opponents Eye Another Upset in Group E
Niger’s head coach, Badou Ezaki, has unveiled his 25-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against Morocco on March 21, as well as a friendly match against Bonaire on March 25. The announcement comes with a mix of established names, fresh talents, and a few surprise inclusions, as Niger look to build on their recent impressive form.
Ezaki has largely stuck with the core group that finished their AFCON 2023 qualifying campaign in style, thrashing Sudan 4-0 before securing a stunning 2-1 victory over Ghana in Accra. Those results have given Niger a realistic shot at World Cup qualification, as they sit second in Group E, trailing only Morocco by three points.
Fresh Faces and European Experience in the Squad
Among the notable inclusions in Ezaki’s squad is Russian-based defender Oumar Sako, a key figure in Niger’s defense. He is joined by midfielder Ali Mohamed, who has been making waves in European football with Maccabi Haifa, featuring in UEFA club competitions this season.
A first-time call-up goes to Zakariyaou Ibrahim, a 19-year-old forward who has been in red-hot form in Cameroon’s Elite One League, scoring eight goals this season for Gazelle FC. Albania-based Aboubacar Camara also earns his debut, reinforcing Niger’s defensive options.
Ezaki is clearly aiming for a balance of youth and experience, with a squad featuring players from leagues across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Tough Task Against Morocco, But Confidence is High
Niger’s biggest challenge will be taking on Group E leaders Morocco in Oujda on March 21. The Atlas Lions, Africa’s top-ranked team, will be overwhelming favorites, but Ezaki’s men have proven they can pull off surprises—just ask Ghana.
Four days later, Niger will face Bonaire, a Caribbean nation, in a friendly match in Casablanca. While not a high-profile opponent, this fixture will give Ezaki a chance to fine-tune his tactics and assess new players ahead of future qualifiers.
Full Niger Squad for March Internationals
Goalkeepers:
- Habiboulaye Hainikoye (US Gendarmerie Nationale)
- Mahamdou Tanja (AS Forces Armées Nigériennes)
- Babari Yahaya (US Gendarmerie Nationale)
Defenders:
- Mohamed Abdramane (AS Douanes)
- Abdel-Rahim Alhassane (Real Oviedo, Spain)
- Aboubacar Camara (FK Bylis, Albania)
- Abdoulnasser Garba (US Gendarmerie Nationale)
- Abraham Adamou Gora (US Gendarmerie Nationale)
- Mame Abdoul Jalil (AS Douanes)
- Abdoulaye Katakore (Al Entesar, Saudi Arabia)
- David Lebne (AS Forces Armées Nigériennes)
- Oumar Sako (Rostov, Russia)
Midfielders:
- Ousseini Badamassi (TP Mazembe, DR Congo)
- Abdoulmoumouni Darenkoum (Al Mesaimeer, Qatar)
- Ali Mohamed (Maccabi Haifa, Israel)
- Harouna Moussa Hasssane (AS Forces Armées Nigériennes)
- Moussa Kassa (US Gendarmerie Nationale)
- Youssouf Oumarou (Al Karma, Iraq)
- Abdoulmajid Soumana (Al Shorta, Iraq)
Forwards:
- Djibrill Goumey (AS Douanes)
- Zakariyaou Ibrahim (Gazelle, Cameroon)
- Djibrilla Issa (Zira, Azerbaijan)
- Amoustapha Kairou (Hamrun Spartans, Malta)
- Chamssidine Lukmane (AS Forces Armées Nigériennes)
- Daniel Sosah (Kryvbas Kryvyi Rig, Ukraine)
Can Niger Shock Africa’s Best?
With Morocco boasting a squad stacked with world-class talent, Niger will need a near-perfect performance to come away with points. But with confidence high after recent successes and new attacking firepower in the squad, Ezaki’s men won’t be pushovers.
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A result in Oujda could turn Niger’s World Cup qualification dream into a serious reality. All eyes will be on March 21, as they attempt to defy the odds once again.
