Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi explains Youssef En-Nesyri’s return to squad

Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi says Youssef En-Nesyri has not been overlooked despite his absence from recent squads, as the striker returns to the national team for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Niger.

The Al-Ittihad forward is among the notable inclusions in Morocco’s squad for the November double-header, having not received a call-up since the last Africa Cup of Nations. His return comes after a period away from the national team following Ouahbi’s appointment.

En-Nesyri, who has scored 25 goals in 92 appearances for Morocco, was previously a regular selection under former coach Walid Regragui. However, the change in technical direction under Ouahbi appeared to leave the experienced striker outside the coach’s immediate plans.

The new coach prefers attacking players who can contribute to the build-up, drop into midfield and combine with teammates in tight spaces. Ismaël Saibari has particularly benefited from this approach, often operating as a false nine.

En-Nesyri, by contrast, is known for his presence inside the penalty area, aerial ability, movement behind defensive lines and finishing. His style of play differs from the profile Ouahbi has generally favoured since taking charge.

Speaking at a press conference, the Morocco coach explained that he had continued monitoring the striker’s performances despite leaving him out of previous selections.

“He is followed like all the players since the first day with Al-Ittihad. In the Champions League, in the Cup, in the league… We watch his matches every week ,” he explained.

Ouahbi also believes the striker’s qualities could prove useful against Niger, insisting that his return is based on what he can offer the team rather than his previous achievements.

“ Today, his profile can bring us something, especially against a team like Niger. He’s not a player we’ve overlooked. We’ve prioritized other players. He’s a player we know very well, but we also have to be honest with him and give him the opportunity to show what he can do in our style of play. We’re very happy to be able to select him, ” he concluded.

En-Nesyri gets another opportunity to impress

The striker’s return also comes at a time when Morocco are dealing with several absences in attack. Saibari, Soufiane Rahimi, Ayoub El Kaabi and Hamza Igamane are unavailable for the upcoming fixtures, leaving Ouahbi with fewer options in the forward positions.

En-Nesyri’s experience and traditional centre-forward qualities therefore provide an alternative as Morocco prepare for their meetings with Niger.

The 28-year-old also arrives with encouraging form from Saudi Arabia, having scored seven goals in 13 league appearances for Al-Ittihad.

His return could offer an opportunity to rebuild his position within the national team, particularly with the striker now eight appearances away from reaching 100 caps for Morocco.

The two matches against Niger will give him a chance to demonstrate that he can still contribute under Ouahbi, even if his responsibilities differ from those he enjoyed under the previous coaching regime.

Morocco will be expected to take control of both encounters, and En-Nesyri’s ability to occupy defenders, win aerial duels and convert chances could prove valuable.

However, his challenge will extend beyond scoring goals. He will also need to show that he can adapt to the coach’s preferred attacking approach and fit into the team’s overall style of play.

Whether his recall marks the beginning of a regular return to the Atlas Lions or simply provides cover during a period of attacking absences remains to be seen.