Morocco turn to youth as Mohamed Ouahbi names squad for Niger double-header

Morocco manager Mohamed Ouahbi has selected a 26-player squad for the two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Niger on 13 and 17 November, with Ayoub Oufkir handed a surprise call-up and Youssef En-Nesyri recalled.

Oufkir, a 20-year-old winger born in the Netherlands, has been included after impressing for AZ Alkmaar. The selection represents the first major opportunity for the player to become involved with the Morocco senior side.

Ouahbi also intends to gradually integrate Oufkir and Abdellah Ouazane into the national team setup. The approach is designed to give emerging players international experience and prepare them for future commitments, including the Africa Cup of Nations.

En-Nesyri, who plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad, is the most prominent returnee. Sofiane El Krouni of Benfica, Lazio midfielder Reda Belahyane and Angers winger Amine Sbai have also been brought back into the squad.

Their inclusion gives the coaching staff more options during a camp affected by the absence of several established players.

Morocco will be without Ismael Saibari, Sofiane Rahimi, Azzedine Ounahi and Sofiane El Fawzi because of injury. Marouane Saadane, Zakaria El Ouahdi, Samir El Mourabet and Tawfiq Ben Tieb have also been left out, apparently for technical reasons.

Ouahbi is using the November fixtures to pursue two objectives: continue Morocco’s push to secure qualification while also assessing new options and combinations. The camp will provide promising players with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability at international level.

Morocco squad for matches against Niger

Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou, Munir El Kajoui, Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti, Alaa Bellaarouch.

Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui, Anass Salah-Eddine, Sofiane El Krouni, Nayef Aguerd, Redouane Halhal, Issa Diop, Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, Achraf Hakimi, Ali El Mammari.

Midfielders: Ayoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui, Oussama Targhalline, Bilal El Khannouss, Reda Belahyane, Amine Sbai, Abdellah Ouazane.

Forwards: Brahim Diaz, Yassine Jassim, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Ayoub Oufkir, Yasser Zabiri, Youssef En-Nesyri.

Morocco host Niger on 13 November 2026 before the sides meet again on 17 November 2026 in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.