The Niger national football team, known as the Mena National, is set to depart Niamey on Sunday to begin their journey in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN Pamoja 2027). Their first match is against Lesotho on September 25 in Accra, Ghana, followed by a match against Gabon four days later in Franceville. The team is determined to make a strong start to their campaign, with the goal of securing six points from the two matches.
The Niger team has been urged to be ambitious, with the Football Federation of Niger (FENIFOOT) setting a clear objective of winning both matches. FENIFOOT President Issaka Adamou has emphasized the importance of a strong start, stating that the team aims to secure six points from the two games. Adamou also highlighted the need for a new approach to the qualifiers, recognizing that a poor start could complicate the team's chances of qualification.
The Mena National team will face a tough challenge in Accra, where they will take on the Lesotho national team, known as the Crocodiles. Four days later, they will travel to Franceville to face the Gabon national team, known as the Panthers. Despite the tough opponents, the Niger team is confident of achieving a positive result, with a focus on winning both matches and taking a significant step towards qualification.
The Niger team has called for support from the local community, with FENIFOOT urging Nigerians living in Ghana, Togo, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, and other countries in the region to attend the match in Accra and cheer on the team. The team's fans are expected to play a crucial role in driving the team forward, with the Niger team seeking to draw energy from their supporters.
The Mena National team's campaign will continue after the two qualifiers, with a friendly match against Algeria scheduled for October 6 in Tizi-Ouzou. This match will provide the team with an opportunity to test their skills against a top African team and make further progress in their preparations.
As the team prepares to take on Lesotho and Gabon, the Niger football community is rallying behind the team, with fans and supporters urged to play their part in driving the team forward. The team's players, coaches, and officials are all focused on achieving a positive result and making a strong start to their campaign.
The road to CAN Pamoja 2027 begins in Accra, with the Mena National team seeking to make a statement and demonstrate their capabilities on the African stage. With a strong team and a determined spirit, Niger will look to make a positive impact and take a significant step towards qualification.
Key points
- Niger's Mena National team aims to secure six points against Lesotho and Gabon in CAN 2027 qualifiers.
