World Cup 2026 Africa qualifiers / Badou Ezaki: Niger head coach hospitalized in Casablanca

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·8 September 2025

World Cup 2026 Africa qualifiers / Badou Ezaki: Niger head coach hospitalized in Casablanca

The former Moroccan international will not be able to lead the team against Tanzania on September 9

Badou Ezaki, Niger head coach / Photo : FENIFOOT

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Badou Ezaki was hospitalized in Casablanca this past Saturday, September 6, 2025, the day after his team's match against Morocco. The Niger head coach will therefore be unable to lead the Mena against Tanzania tomorrow in Zanzibar. His assistant, Zakaryaou Ibrahim, will take his place on the bench for this crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier.

The news was announced by the Nigerien Football Federation on Monday, September 8, 2025. According to the official statement from FENIFOOT:

"The National Coach, Mr. Badou Ezaki, suffered a malaise at Casablanca airport on Saturday, September 6, 2025, as he was preparing to board a flight to Zanzibar for the 8th round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers between Tanzania and Niger. He was admitted to Mohammed VI University Hospital in Casablanca, where he was immediately attended to by competent medical staff, who provided the necessary care. Thankfully, he is now recovering well and is out of danger."

As a result, the 66-year-old Moroccan coach was unable to make the trip to Zanzibar. Badou Ezaki will therefore not be able to lead the Mena National for medical reasons during this match against Tanzania on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, as FENIFOOT specified.

Zakaryaou Ibrahim steps in to guide the Mena against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania for the 8th round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The match will take place this Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Amaan Stadium in Unguja, in the city of Zanzibar.