The Niger national soccer team, also known as the "Mena," represents Niger in international football and is governed by the Nigerien Football Federation. The team is named after the Dama Gazelle, a symbol of agility and endurance.

History

The Niger national team has a long history, first appearing in international competition in the 1960s. However, it was not until more recent years that they began to make a significant impact on the continental stage.

Major Successes

• Africa Cup of Nations: Niger qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 2012. They repeated this feat by qualifying for the 2013 tournament as well. Although they did not advance beyond the group stage in either tournament, these qualifications marked a significant achievement for the team.

Notable Players

• Issoufou Boubacar Garba: A talented midfielder who has been an essential part of the team, known for his playmaking abilities.
• William N'Gounou: An influential forward who has been instrumental in some of the team's more successful campaigns.
• Daouda Kassaly: A goalkeeper known for his reliability and experience, having earned numerous caps for the national team.

Notable Coaches

• Harouna Doula Gabde: He was instrumental in leading Niger to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations qualification in 2012. His tactical acumen and leadership were critical in this historic achievement.
• Gernot Rohr: The German coach had a significant impact on the team during his tenure, helping to raise the profile of Nigerien football on the international stage.

The Niger national team continues to strive for further success on the African continent and aims to build on its achievements in upcoming competitions.