The Niger national football team is the first team to arrive in Uganda ahead of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
Clad in their iconic green and orange tracksuits, the West African side touched down at Entebbe International Airport on Tuesday afternoon, officially kicking off the tournament’s build-up. The team was warmly received with a spectacular cultural welcome that featured traditional Ugandan dances, music, and performers dressed as gorillas — a nod to Uganda’s famous wildlife and cultural heritage.
The highlight of their arrival was the players’ enthusiastic reaction to the giant silverback gorilla statue at the arrivals terminal, with many members of the delegation pausing to take photos and soak in the atmosphere. The team’s slow stroll to their waiting bus showed clear appreciation for the cultural performances provided by the Crane dance troupe.
Following their reception, the squad was escorted to their accommodation at Protea Hotel Skyz in Naguru, where they will be based throughout the tournament.
Niger is placed in Group C alongside hosts Uganda, South Africa, Algeria, and Guinea. Despite being the lowest-ranked team in the group, Niger is hoping to make a strong impression, beginning with their opening match against Guinea on Monday at 5 PM.
