Youssef En-Nesyri emerges as Morocco’s possible November attacking option

محمد وهبي is considering a return for Youssef En-Nesyri when Morocco meet Niger in the third and fourth rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, according to information obtained by Koora.

The Morocco head coach is understood to have been impressed by the Al-Ittihad striker’s recent form and is weighing up including him in the squad for the November camp.

En-Nesyri has not represented Morocco since Wahbi took charge of the national team. His most recent appearance for the Atlas Lions came at the last Africa Cup of Nations.

Wahbi has used a number of different players in the centre-forward role since becoming head coach, including Ayoub El Kaabi, Soufiane Rahimi and Ismael Saibari. However, the team has at times lacked the profile of a traditional striker.

That is believed to be one of the reasons behind the coach’s interest in En-Nesyri. Wahbi is keen to have a recognised centre-forward capable of operating in the penalty area, rather than relying on a false nine.

The coach is also understood to want Ayoub El Kaabi to remain outside the squad. Meanwhile, the availability of Soufiane Rahimi remains uncertain after the Al Ain forward suffered an injury against Shabab Al Ahli Dubai 48 hours ago.

Those circumstances could increase the likelihood of En-Nesyri being included for the two matches against Niger. The games will form part of Morocco’s campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

En-Nesyri has made 13 appearances for Al-Ittihad in all competitions this season, scoring seven goals and providing two assists. He has also found the net in four of his last five appearances for the club in the Roshn Saudi League.

His recent scoring record has strengthened his case for consideration, although his selection would mark his first Morocco involvement since Wahbi’s appointment. The striker’s possible return would give the coach another option in an attack that has so far been built around several different profiles.

Morocco’s November squad will therefore be closely watched, particularly in light of the uncertainty surrounding Rahimi and Wahbi’s preference for a conventional penalty-area striker.