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Niger and Congo meet in Ouagadougou in a big CAF World Cup 2026 qualifier, both teams looking to finish on a high.
Niger still has hopes of climbing the Group E table. A win keeps Niger in contention for the second position behind Morocco. Congo (bottom of the group) wants to restore some pride after a tough qualifying campaign marred by administrative issues.
Match details
- Fixture: Niger vs the Republic of Congo
- Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification — CAF (Group E)
- Venue: Stade du 4-Août, Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)
- Date: Wednesday, 8 October 2025
- Kick-off: 20h00 GMT +1 (19h00 local time)
How to watch
The match will be live on FIFA+ worldwide in most territories.
In Morocco and the MENA region, beIN Sports will broadcast the CAF World Cup qualifiers live.
The African #WCQ continue! 🌍
Here are today’s matches. pic.twitter.com/V5wRWJOIs0
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) October 8, 2025
Niger team news
Under coach Harouna Doula, Niger has made steady progress as the tournament has moved through the group phase. They have a really solid defender core and a couple of players who can be game-changers by transitioning from defending to attacking.
- Injuries: None of the players in the most recent squad will miss because of injury.
- Tactics: the wingers will be pressing high and overlapping full-backs when in possession.
Predicted lineup (4–3–3): M. Djibo, Mohamed Abdouramane, Mohamed Pape Moctar M’Baye, A. Djibo, Issiaka Boukary Kanta, Yacouba Sima, Abdoul Aziz, Ibrahim Marou, Star Striker, Mahaman Bachar, Amadou Sabo
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Republic of Congo team news
Congo is back after a chaotic qualifying campaign that included a FIFA suspension in 2025 for governance issues, which has since been lifted.
During the qualifying window, they really struggled to find their rhythm. With only a single point, they have been disappointing. With one draw and several defeats, Congo sits at the bottom of Group E. Their last competitive match was a 0–2
- Injuries: There are no new injury concerns
- Tactics: they should sit in a deep block with Mbenza leading the counterattacks and relying on set pieces to score.
Predicted lineup (4–3–3): Jehou Foutou, Coupe Mavoungou, Boris Moussiti-Oko, Gery Ngoma, Destin Makita, Prince Ibara, Barel Mouko, Dzon Delvin, Silvère Ganvoula, Guy Mbenza, Junior Makiesse
What to expect
Niger will try to impose themselves early, using width and energy to stretch Congo’s back line. Playing in Ouagadougou -their adopted “home”- gives them an advantage in terms of familiarity and support.
Congo needs a good finish and will likely defend deep and counter quickly. The midfield battle will set the pace of the game.
Given the history and form, this should be a low-scoring game with Niger’s organisation and form to tip the balance.
Safe calls
- Under 2.5 Goals: Both teams prefer compact structures and have struggled to score.
- Niger to Win or Draw: Niger is in better form and motivation is higher.
- Both teams to score: No
- Score Prediction: Niger 2–0 Congo
