[1] Midfielders Ronan Biger and Matías Pérez García, defenders Yannick Fischer and Mamadou Camara and forward Arnaud Gonzalez were also among the players to make over 30 first-team appearances.
The team's first game in the cup was a 1–0 win against Division d'Honneur side US Chauvigny thanks to an injury time goal from midfielder Johan Gastien.
Niort were handed a fourth consecutive away tie in the eighth round, being drawn to play away at Championnat de France amateur side Quimper on 13 December 2008.
Following a goalless draw after extra time, during which defender Damien Da Silva was given a straight red card, Niort progressed 4–1 in a penalty shoot-out in which goalkeeper Kévin Aubeneau saved two spot kicks.
Niort scored first through Ronan Biger, but Congolese midfielder Christian Kinkela equalised for the visitors in the 86th minute to take the tie to extra time.