Niger’s coach, Badou Zaki, is optimistic about his team’s chances of securing a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite the challenges posed by their group.Niger’s coach, Badou Zaki, is optimistic about his team’s chances of securing a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite the challenges posed by their group. Drawn alongside Ghana, Angola, and Sudan, Zaki recognized the strength of their opponents during an interview with CAFonline.com. However, he emphasized that his team is capable of qualifying. “We are in an affordable group. We have every chance of qualifying,” Zaki stated. While acknowledging Ghana’s footballing prowess, Zaki believes the Black Stars are not as formidable as they once were. “Ghana is a football country with great professionals…but it’s not the team of five or six years ago,” he said. “Even at home, they can lose.” Niger’s first two qualifying matches will be against Sudan and Ghana in September 2024. Zaki’s confidence stems from his team’s abilities and his belief that they can upset their opponents. Niger made back-to-back AFCON appearances in 2012 and 2013, but they have not qualified since. Zaki’s strategic preparation and positive mindset suggest that Niger has the potential to make a strong impact in the qualifiers. Ghana, on the other hand, will face Sudan, which is now coached by former Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah. This adds an extra layer of intrigue to Group F as Ghana aims for its 25th appearance at the AFCON.
Niger coach Badou Zaki has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite being drawn in a challenging group with Ghana, Angola, and Sudan.
The Nigerians who are aiming to make it to their third AFCON face a daunting task against these opponents.
Reacting to the draw in an interview with CAFonline.com, Zaki assessed the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents.
“We’re in an affordable group. We have every chance of qualifying.”
While acknowledging Ghana’s football prowess, the Moroccan legend believes that the Black Stars are not as formidable as they once were.
“Ghana is a football country with great professionals… but it’s not the team of five or six years ago. Even at home, they can lose.”
Niger will face Sudan and Ghana in their first two qualifying matches in September 2024. Zaki’s confidence in his team’s abilities is evident, as he aims to guide the Mena to their first AFCON qualification in a decade.
Niger previously made back-to-back appearances in the 2012 and 2013 editions in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, and South Africa, respectively.
Despite the challenges ahead, Zaki’s positive mindset and strategic preparation suggest that Niger is poised to make a strong impact in the qualifiers.
Interestingly Ghana will face Sudan which is now coached by former coach Kwesi Appiah adding an extra layer of intrigue to Group F as the Black Stars aim for a 25th appearance on the continental stage.
