Niamey, football and more

The sprawling Stade Seyni Kountche Stadium, sitting right in the middle of Niamey, the capital of Niger Republic is witnessing it’s first ever major African tournament and there is excitement in the air.

Nigeriens love their football. They really do. Whenever the Junior Mena play, the roads leading into the stadium and the stadium terrace is laced with the orange and green of the country.

Both young and old look to be fascinated with the game and the Africa Junior Championship taking place in Niamey has been the focal point for most locals in the cosmopolitan city.

Niamey is surprisingly cool since the competition started. Temperature here can rise up to 48 degrees, but it’s been a bit friendly to the young players on parade at the tournament. Though CAF had to adjust the times for some matches, the weather has been good.

“You (the visiting countries) have brought good luck to us, the weather has been clement since the competition started, it has not been as harsh as it use to be,” Issa Yousofou, a local merchant told supersport.com in Niamey.

Nigerian supporters

“It’s been fun all the way, the only sore point is the performance of the Junior Mena, but asides that we are loving every minute of the competition.

Niger is an enigma of sorts. Though French is the official language, Hausa is widely spoken here, probably second to Fulfulde (language spoken by the Fulani). There a strong French influenced culture here with Coffee vendors and French inspired couture.

The architecture is a mix of modern and old as new architectural masterpieces lie side by side with per-colonial buildings etched in mud. The sight is truly one to behold.

Moussa Maazou is god.

The name might not ring a bell to an average football fan, but Maazou, captain of the Niger senior national team-Mena, is worshiped here with his shirts seen on many young Nigerien fans here in Niamey.

The tall lanky striker has been a journey man in Europe playing for teams like Lokeren, Zulte Waregem in Belgium and Bordeaux in France.

He is their version of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Changchu Yatai has been one of the country’s most successful exports to Europe and has continued to inspire many Nigerien youths to aim for greatness.

“Maazou is an icon here, he is the poster boy of Nigerien football,” Mamadou Fouseyni, a staff at the Ministry of Sports in Niamey told supersport.com.

“We want our youth to emulate him. He has been able to put Niger on the world map and we are hoping these set of young players will tow in the same line.

Goal mouth action between Nigeria and Guinea

Cuisine

For the uninitiated, Niamey might not be your favourite destination for a sumptuous meal, but that will be riding the tide. The cuisine here is as good as any within the West African coast.

The restaurants and local barbecue vendors can be compared favourably to most West African countries. The food is quite tasty with spices derived from natural sources the main attraction for many tourists and visitors.

Niamey doesn’t sleep literally. For a perceived conservative society, business goes on well into the wee hours of the morning and security here is top notch.

The Junior Mena disappointment might have taken the shine off the competition for the football crazy fans of Niamey, but a lot said this is not the case as they will continue to throng the stadium to cheer the teams and enjoy the football on display.

Stade General Seyni Kountche,Niger

“It’s sad we were eliminated, but we will continue to go watch the games. It’s not all the time we get to watch a competition like this on our soil,”Aboubakar Gagari, an AS Douanes of Niamey supporter told supersport.com.

“We will support the teams, but I want Guinea to lift the trophy. I’ve adopted them since our team (Niger) have been eliminated.

Niamey might not be your favourite holiday or football destination, but it certainly has a lot to offer for anyone looking to have an alternative feel of how passionate fans can be about the beautiful game.