This Friday evening, the Moroccan national team, the Atlas Lions, will host Niger in a match set to take place in Oujda. The game is being held on Moroccan soil due to the non-approval of Nigerien stadiums and carries great significance for Morocco in their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Currently leading Group E with 9 points, Morocco has won its first three matches. The objective is clear: to strengthen their position at the top, which ensures direct qualification for the next World Cup. The Atlas Lions have not lost a game since January 30, 2024, when they were defeated 2-0 by South Africa in the Round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations. Riding a strong momentum, they head into this fixture with an impressive streak of eight consecutive victories, four of which were won by a margin of at least four goals.
Facing Niger will not be an easy challenge, especially considering that the visiting team is only three points behind Morocco in the standings. The Atlas Lions boast a formidable attacking force, having scored 34 goals in their last eight matches. This dominance was highlighted in their recent 7-0 thrashing of Lesotho.
Moreover, this match could serve as an opportunity for some new players to make their debuts for the national team, including Marseille’s Bilal Nadir, as well as Omar El Hilali (Espanyol Barcelona) and Chemsdine Talbi (Club Brugge), both of whom have received their first call-ups.
TV Broadcast:
The match between Niger and Morocco will be broadcast live this Friday evening at 10:20 PM (French time) on L’Équipe Live Foot, as well as on the Moroccan channel Arryadia. Fans can look forward to an exciting encounter that could bring the Atlas Lions one step closer to their World Cup dream.