Sport in Niger
Horse racing, camel racing and sorro wrestling are some of the traditional sports in Niger that were firmly entrenched in their culture. Sorro Wrestling is known as the “King of Sports” in the country.
Other major world sports, such as football and rugby, dominate these traditional games in Niger. The country has well-skilled teams for each that competes in both amateur and professional leagues. The national team for football is called Menas. Moreover, Moussa Kanfideni, was the most notable mid-fielder from the 1970s to 1980s and Harouna Doula Gabde also became popular for leading Niger to its first African Nations Cup.
The national team for rugby is called Niger National Rugby Union Team and their major achievement was coming runner in the 2006 Car Castel Beer Trophy held in Tanzania.
Nigeriens celebrate a number of festivals yearly. One of which is called Festival National de la Jeuness, des sports et de la culture. It is a government sponsored national youth sport and cultural contest. Niger also holds a competition for traditional wrestling. It is called National Championship of Lutte Traditionelle where they will advance from the regional championships, and be awarded with a ceremonial sabre.
Below are details of sports, sporting events and sports people related to Niger. Is there something missing? If you know of something that should be listed here, please let us know.
Popular sports of Niger
- Football (Soccer), Rugby, Taekwondo, Basketball, Track and Field
Traditional or Regional Sports
- Sorro Wrestling — known as the “King of Sports”
Niger Sporting Success
Great athletes from Niger
- Moussa Kanfideni (football)
- Harouna Doula Gabde (football)
Niger Sports trivia
Niger at major events
Past sporting events hosted in Niger
- 2005 Francophone Games (Jeux de la Francophonie), Niamey
Upcoming sporting events in Niger
Annual sporting events held in Niger
- Niger Premier League (top football league)
- National Championship of Lutte Traditionelle
Sporting Facilities in Niger
- Stade Général Seyni Kountché, Niamey
Related Pages
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