because it runs through the county Niger!
The Songhai Empire was located along the Niger River in West Africa. This river provided a vital water source for agriculture, trade, and transportation, and played a significant role in the empire's economy and development.
It is located right by the Niger River.
Africa
It seems as if the most well known river near Mali is the Niger River. The Niger River runs through Mali, Guinea, Niger and Nigeria.
The River Niger empties into the Gulf of Guinea :)
Benin
Near the Niger River.
In west Africa
The Niger River Kingdom is probably the same as the Old Calabar Kingdom located in what is now known as the Niger Delta (the delta of the Niger River in Nigeria).
Near the Niger River.
Songhai