Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi hands Ajax starlet Ryan Bonida first call-up after nationality switch

Morocco head coach Mohamed Ouahbi has extended a maiden invitation to highly-rated youngster Ryan Bonida ahead of the Atlas Lions’ upcoming international friendlies later this month.

The talented attacker, who currently plies his trade with Ajax Amsterdam in the Netherlands, has been drafted into the squad as part of preparations for two high-profile matches designed to fine-tune the team ahead of the 2026 World Cup tournament.

Bonida’s inclusion follows a significant international decision, as the teenager has officially switched his sporting allegiance to Morocco after previously representing Belgium at youth level. The move signals a major coup for the North African nation, which continues to attract dual-nationality talents into its ranks.

The call-up underlines Ouahbi’s commitment to refreshing the squad with emerging prospects, blending youthful exuberance with established experience.

Bonida is widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in European football, and his technical quality and attacking versatility are expected to provide the Atlas Lions with additional depth and tactical flexibility.

Morocco’s technical bench is keen to use the upcoming friendlies as a testing ground, offering new entrants like Bonida the opportunity to integrate into the team’s philosophy while assessing their readiness for competitive fixtures.

The Atlas Lions will take on Ecuador next Friday in Madrid, before locking horns with Paraguay the following Tuesday in Lens. Both fixtures form part of a broader preparatory programme aimed at evaluating the squad’s strengths, addressing weaknesses, and building cohesion ahead of crucial assignments on the international calendar.

With fresh faces like Bonida now in the fold, anticipation is growing among fans and pundits alike, as Morocco continues to shape a dynamic and competitive squad capable of making an impact on the global stage.