By Mubukwanu Kaingu
NIGER has picked the Moroccan city of Marrakesh as the venue of their FIFA World Cup 2026 USA Group E qualifier against Chipolopolo Zambia.
The Niger Football Federation (FENIFOOT) has officially confirmed that they will play their first two home games in the FIFA World Cup Group E qualifiers in Morocco.
Niger will have the privilege of playing their opening two Group E qualifiers at home.
The Menas cannot host any international competitive matches because its stadiums did not pass FIFA certification to host national team fixtures.
Chipolopolo on the other hand are waiting for the green-light from FIFA inspectors to host Congo-Brazzaville in their opening Group E qualifier on November 17 following remedial works at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
“FIFA have determined the stadiums and officials for the first two days of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Africa Zone. The Mena National will host its two games at the Grand Stadium in Marrakech, Morocco,” stated FENIFOOT.
Niger will first host Tanzania on November 18.
“The second match against Zambia Chipolopolo’s is set for Tuesday, November 21, 2023, under the leadership of Libyan referees with their head Ahmed Abdulrazg. The referee assessor is Malian Koman Coulibaly and the match commissioner Dembélé Djibrine Mahamat of Chad,” FENIFOOT added.
Niger has already played two friendly games in Morocco that came during the October FIFA international window where they beat Somalia 3-0 on October 14 and drew 1-1 with Libya on October 17.
The confirmation means Chipolopolo will now make back-to-back Group E qualifier trips to Morocco.
Morocco is also in Group E and will host Chipolopolo on match-day-three next June.
The winner from Group E will join eight other group winners including the victor of the four-best second placed sides playoff round at the FIFA World Cup which the USA will be the lead hosts in association with Mexico and Canada.
