Niger arrives first for CHAN tournament in Uganda

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Team Niger has become the first national side to arrive in Uganda ahead of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), which kicks off this week at the refurbished Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

The Niger delegation touched down at Entebbe International Airport on Tuesday morning and was received by officials from the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), led by FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein.

Niger will take on Guinea in the tournament’s opening fixture at 5:00 PM (EAT) on Monday August 4th  at Mandela National Stadium. The match will officially launch the continent wide football showpiece, which features players drawn exclusively from domestic leagues.

Later that evening, host nation Uganda Cranes will face Algeria in their opening Group A match, scheduled for 8:00 PM at the same venue. Both games are expected to attract large crowds and high viewership across Africa.

According to Hussein, all logistical arrangements including security, hospitality, and transport have been finalized to ensure a smooth experience for all teams and guests.

“This is a historic moment for Uganda. We are ready to host Africa,” Hussein said.

This edition of CHAN is significant for Uganda as it marks the country’s debut as tournament host, and the return of international football to Namboole after years of closure for renovations.

Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), CHAN is a biennial tournament that showcases the best home-based talent from across the continent.

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