Well, N-cells are 10mm diameter by 28mm in length, so you'd get about 3 of them in whatever light this is, although they are a bit skinny and they would probably rattle a bit. That is the same size as 2 x AAA cells.
What has to be right is the voltage. If you are using Li-Ions, the light has to be able to take 4.2v multiplied by the number of cells, ie for 3 x 10280 (N-cell size) it would be 12.6v, for 2 x 10440 (AAA size) it would be 8.4v. Unless the light is regulated that will almost certainly be too much. Li-Ion technology also has a number of risks that go with it, and it is not recommended until you are thoroughly conversant with these.
However if you are using NiMHs, it is nice and easy - just use the same number as the alkaline N-cells.