Loudoun’s Kairou Amoustapha Called-Up To Niger National Team Squad

Niger national team head coach Jean-Michel Cavalli has included on-form Loudoun United striker Kairou Amoustapha in his provisional 31-man squad that is headed to camp to prepare for the upcoming two-legged 2021 AFCON Qualifiers against Ethiopia.

Amoustapha, who joined the Leesburg-based side during the January transfer window, has scored three goals in nine appearances for Red and White in this season’s United Soccer League Championship.

The 19-year-old made his debut for Niger in the FIFA U17 World Cup in 2017 and has since made appearances for the U20 and U23 teams.

In his young international career, Amoustapha has made seven appearances and recorded three goals and one assist.

Loudon coach Ryan Martinis has hailed the prodigy staying that he is brilliant with a good future ahead of him.

“Kairou had a great first season with us and we are very excited to have him represent Loudoun United on the international level for Niger,” said Martin.

“He showed tremendous attacking ability and grew throughout the year to produce more goals and assists for the team. On top of that, he is a tremendous young man with huge ambitions and we are very happy for him to have earned this opportunity based on his performance and progress here at Loudoun United.”

Niger will face Ethiopia at home on November 13, 2020 and November 17, 2020 away.

Amoustapha will join other players on Monday for residential training ahead of the back-to-back qualifiers.

Niger are placed at the bottom of Group K of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with zero points. Madagascar are leading the group log with six points while Ethiopia are joint second with Ivory Coast having amassed three points each.