Nigeria beatable boasts Niger coach

Niger coach Francois Zahoui has been talking tough ahead of today’s 2016 CHAN Group C match against more illustrious opponents Nigeria, saying the Eagles are “beatable”.

The next-door neigbours clash at 5pm Nigerian time in Kigali.

“We’re not afraid of Nigeria. They are beatable,” said Zahoui, who has also handled his native Cote d’Ivoire and has now built a very physical Niger side.

However, Mena will be missing top star Kofi Dan Kowa today due to suspension after he was booked in both legs of the qualifiers against Togo.

The Ghanaian-born defender or defensive midfielder scored in both legs of the qualifiers and is Niger’s most experienced player having made his international debut in 2008 and has played in Tunisia, India and South Africa.

Nigeria will be missing central defender and assistant captain Austin Obaroakpo also on account of two bookings in the qualifiers.