Casablanca – Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has explained Youssef En-Nesyri’s return to the national team and made it clear that the striker remained in his plans despite missing recent international gatherings.
The 29-year-old Al-Ittihad forward was included in Morocco’s 26-man squad on Wednesday for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Niger.
His return attracted particular attention after he missed the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Ouahbi preferred other attacking options.
Speaking at a press conference at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Ouahbi explained that En-Nesyri had remained on the coaching staff’s extended list and that his performances in Saudi Arabia were regularly assessed.
“We have watched all his matches with Al-Ittihad, whether in the AFC Champions League, the cup or the league. We make sure to watch his matches every week,” Ouahbi said.
The coach rejected the suggestion that En-Nesyri had been excluded from his plans.
“En-Nesyri was never a player we put aside or ruled out of our plans. We simply preferred to give other players the opportunity to get enough playing time and show what they could do,” he explained.
A different option in Morocco’s attack
En-Nesyri’s absence from the World Cup had raised questions about his place in Morocco’s attack, particularly given his long international experience.
The former Sevilla striker was part of Morocco’s historic run to the 2022 World Cup semifinals and scored the winning goal against Portugal in the quarterfinals.
At the 2026 tournament, however, Ouahbi opted for Ayoub El Kaabi and other forwards whose characteristics suited his plans at the time.
“We know Youssef very well, but it is also important to be fair to him and give him the opportunity to show what he can do within our style of play,” Ouahbi said.
He believes En-Nesyri’s characteristics could be particularly useful against Niger and offer Morocco another way to approach matches.
Ouahbi has selected several younger attacking players, including Yassir Zabiri and Ayoub Oufkir. He also suggested that Oufkir’s crossing ability could create opportunities for En-Nesyri inside the penalty area.
“I believe he can contribute to the team, and this is the right time to call him up. He deserves this opportunity, and we are very happy to have him in the squad,” Ouahbi concluded.
Morocco currently leads Group A of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers with six points after victories over Gabon and Lesotho.
The Atlas Lions will host Niger on November 13 at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca before meeting the same opponents again on November 17 at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Both matches are scheduled for 8 p.m.
