Oman gear up for closed friendly match with Niger

MUSCAT, MAY 18

Oman all set to play against Niger team on Tuesday in a close media and fans friendly match which will take place at Sultan Qaoos Sports Complex. Oman’s coaching staff headed by coach Rasheed Jaber decided both matches against Niger and Lebanon will be behind closed doors to ensure gaining the maximum output from these fixtures and prevent sharing any information about the match with others.

The Oman national football team’s training sessions are underway in a highly motivated and focused atmosphere, under the direct supervision of the national experienced coach Rasheed Jaber. The ongoing domestic camp is part of the team’s crucial preparations for the two upcoming fixtures in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian Qualifiers.

Coach Rasheed, alongside his technical and medical teams, is closely monitoring all aspects of the players' performance and well-being. Oman’s goalie Ibrahim al Mukhaini is currently under medical observation due to a recent injury concern during the last training sessions. The medical team is awaiting results from an X-ray examination, which will determine the next course of action regarding his participation in the upcoming matches. Meanwhile, Oman’s other goalie Fayez al Rushaidi is back to action after an absence in last period due to an injury too.

As part of their set preparation schedule, Oman team will face their readiness against Niger in a closed doors friendly match on Tuesday in Muscat. The Niger national team arrived in Muscat and commenced their own training sessions in Bausher. Following that, the Red Warriors will host Lebanon in a second friendly match on May 28 to further sharpening the team’s competitive edge ahead of their decisive qualifiers.

The coaching staff focusing in this phase of the camp to ensure proper evaluations of each player’s technical and tactical abilities. These assessments are critical in finalizing the final squad and selecting starting lineup that will take the field in the all-important World Cup qualifying matches. Oman is set to face Jordan at home on June 5, followed by an away match against Palestine on June 10 in Jordan.

Red Warriors are determined to build momentum through the upcoming friendlies and enter the final qualifiers fully prepared to secure their spot on the global stage for the first time in history.