World Cup (Q): Niger secure victory over Congo

The Niger national team defeated Congo 3-1 in their Matchday 9 clash from Group E in 2026 World Cup qualifying at the Stade du 4 Août in Burkina Faso on Wednesday.

Coach Ezzaki Badou’s Ménas, who are looking for their first appearance at the global stage, started off strong going back and forth with their Congolese opponents. It seemed that the first half was going to end in a stalemate until a pass from Rahim Alhassane found Daniel Sosah, who converted his chance just before halftime to give Niger the lead.

Ménas continued to dominate the second half as just four minutes into the half, Youssouf Oumarou doubled the lead with the assist coming from Victorien Adebayor.

The roles where reversed for Niger’s third goal, when Oumarou returned the favour to send a pass to Adebayor, who wasted no time to put the game to rest. However, the game wasn’t over as Congo pressed for a consolation goal which came just at the nick of full time through Deo Bassinga.

The victory means Niger stands as a chance to qualify as one of the best group runners-up, currently sitting on 12 points in Group E. They will finish up Group E play on Sunday with an important match away at Zambia, who will look to overtake the Ménas with a victory.

2026 World Cup Qualifying: Updated Group E Table

1. Morocco- 21 points
2. Niger- 12 points (GD: 0)
3. Tanzania- 10 points (no games remaining)
4. Zambia- 9 points (GD: +1)
5. Congo- 1 point