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CHAN 2024: Three Nigerien siblings aim to push the Mena to glory

by kick442.com Africa August 4, 2025

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Goalkeeper Tanja Djibrilla Kassali Djibo

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Beyond the camaraderie every team should posses ahead of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) is, Niger’s underlying X-factor: meet the Kassalis.

As the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 approaches, Niger’s national team, Mena, is buzzing with excitement. One factor that could give them an edge is the presence of three siblings in the squad: Douada Kassali, team manager, Kader Kassali, defender, and Djibrilla Kassali, goalkeeper.

The Kassali Siblings’ Story

Douada Kassali, a veteran in international football with 89 appearances between 2002 and 2022, boasts an illustrious career. He played in the 2008 CAF Champions League final for Cotonsport against Al Ahly and participated in two AFCON tournament finals in 2012 and 2013.

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Daouda Kassali in his days as Niger keeper

His experience will undoubtedly be invaluable to the team. These days he is serving as the team manager of the CHAN team that has two other members of his family.

Following in his uncle’s footsteps is Mahamadou Tanja Djibrilla Kassali Djibo, who was Niger’s first-choice goalkeeper during their CHAN 2022 expedition in Algeria.

Despite helping the team achieve a fourth-place finish, Djibrilla acknowledges he still has work to do to reach his uncle’s career heights. “I’ve not reached his career heights yet. He played two AFCONs and for top teams in Africa and Europe. I still have work to be done to get there,” he told kick442.com on the sidelines of their training camp in Douala.

The youngest sibling, Abdou Kader Rafiu Kassali, has some CHAN experience, having made three appearances off the bench in Niger’s CHAN 2022 semi-final run.

Team Dynamics and Expectations

Douada Kassali is thrilled to work with his nephews, but emphasizes he treats all players equally. “It is a joyous feeling to work with my nephews. I’m close to them and can guide both on their career paths. I, however, don’t give preferential treatment to my nephews while in camp,” he said.

Niger is grouped with hosts Uganda, Guinea, Algeria, and South Africa in Group C. With their combined experience and youthful energy, the team aims to make a strong impression again.

Heading to his record fourth CHAN tournament, coach Harouna Douala has blended veteran players with five talented youngsters from the U20 national selection.

The Kassalis are eager to make their mark on the tournament. Djibrilla’s personal ambition is to help the team reach the final or possibly win the competition.

“I am one of the more experienced players on our team. We have lots of young players who have joined the team this year. We’re asking Nigeriens to push us to the finale or ultimately winning the competition.”

With the support of their family and the nation, Niger’s Mena is ready to take on the challenge.

Niger’s CHAN 2025 Schedule

– August 4, 2025: Niger vs Guinea (Mandela National Stadium/Kampala)
– August 11, 2025: Uganda vs Niger (Mandela National Stadium/Kampala)
– August 15, 2025: Niger vs South Africa (Mandela National Stadium/Kampala)
– August 18, 2025: Algeria vs Niger (Nyayo National Stadium/Nairobi)

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