Ayoub Oufkir makes instant impact for Morocco after disputed call-up

Ayoub Oufkir scored on his Morocco debut as the AZ Alkmaar winger answered questions over whether he had been selected simply to secure his international future.

The 20-year-old came off the bench in Friday’s 5-1 victory over Niger and needed only 15 minutes to make his mark. He showed pace and confidence, registering five shots, three of which were on target, before finding the net.

His lively introduction gave a new perspective to a call-up that had attracted debate when Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi announced his squad for the two-match meeting with Niger on 4 November.

Oufkir had made a promising start with AZ Alkmaar but was not yet an undisputed starter for the club. That led some Morocco supporters to question why he had been chosen, with some suggesting he had been called up “for security” – to secure his international allegiance and prevent him from joining the Netherlands.

Born in Rotterdam, Oufkir represented the Netherlands at youth level and helped the Oranje win the European Under-19 Championship in 2025. He later chose to play for Morocco following a conversation with Ouahbi, saying he had felt “something wonderful” during their discussion.

The decision disappointed Xavi, the Netherlands manager, who acknowledged that his side had made every effort to persuade Oufkir to choose them.

Following Morocco’s win against Niger, Ouahbi directly addressed the doubts surrounding the winger’s selection. He said he had followed Oufkir for a long time and had wanted to work with him since managing the under-20 side.

“Oufkir is a player I have been following for a very, very long time,” Ouahbi said. “Since I was with the under-20s, so I know him very, very well. I already wanted him at that time, so we did not give up.”

The Morocco manager then outlined the qualities that had convinced him to include the AZ Alkmaar player.

“He is a good player, I think you saw that today,” Ouahbi said. “He brings verticality, he is very electric, dynamic and technically good.”

Ouahbi also insisted that Oufkir’s presence in the squad was based on his ability rather than an attempt to prevent him from representing another country.

“Above all, he showed today that he is with us because he deserved it, not to block him or to try to make sure he played for Morocco,” he added. “He deserves it because of his game and his profile.”

With a goal on his first appearance and an eye-catching cameo against Niger, Oufkir has begun to justify his manager’s faith on the pitch. His performance may, at least for now, quiet the questions raised when his selection was announced.