Vahbi backs Morocco squad selections and offers injury update before Niger ties

Mohamed Vahbi has defended his Morocco squad selections and provided an update on several injured players ahead of November’s Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches against Niger on 13 and 17 November.

The Morocco coach explained the decision to recall Yusuf En-Nesyri after the striker missed recent camps, while also addressing limited club playing time for players including Noussair Mazraoui and Brahim Diaz.

Vahbi said En-Nesyri had remained under consideration despite his absence from previous squads and had been monitored throughout his time with Al-Ittihad.

“En-Nesyri has always been part of our extended list and we have followed him continuously, like all the players, from the first day,” Vahbi said. “We watched all his matches with the Saudi club, in the AFC Champions League, the cup and the league. He has never been absent from our monitoring.”

He added that Morocco had previously chosen forwards with similar qualities to those used at the last World Cup, but believed En-Nesyri’s attributes could now prove particularly useful against Niger.

On criticism of selecting players who are not regular starters for their clubs, Vahbi said minutes played could not be the only measure used to pick a national team.

“If playing time were the sole criterion, we could simply search online for the players with the most minutes and select them. In that case, there would be no need for me in this position,” he said.

Vahbi said tactical suitability, balance and understanding between players were also important, with Morocco having a clear approach regardless of the opposition.

He specifically defended Mazraoui, whose limited club involvement has prompted questions over his call-up.

“Just watch his matches for Morocco,” Vahbi said. “It is not only about numbers. It is also about the player’s qualities and his ability to make the national team stronger. Mazraoui has performed well for Morocco in different competitions and has always justified the confidence placed in him.”

Brahim Diaz also wants more opportunities at Real Madrid, according to Vahbi, but the coach said he was not concerned about the midfielder’s form when he joins Morocco.

“He wants to play more, but he is at one of the best clubs in the world, where competition is extremely strong,” said Vahbi. “With Morocco, he is very happy, enthusiastic and determined to give everything.”

Vahbi hopes Diaz can use the international break to produce performances that help him earn more minutes at Real Madrid, adding that he could not influence the club coach’s decisions.

The coach was also optimistic about the recoveries of Azzedine Ounahi, Ismael Saibari, Soufiane Rahimi and Ayoub El Kaabi before the Africa Cup of Nations.

He said no precise return date could be given, even by doctors, because injuries and rehabilitation programmes differ. Some players could return in March, while the medical situation would continue to be monitored.

“These are difficult periods, but we continue to support them. They will come back stronger,” Vahbi said, insisting that injuries were part of football and that he expected all four players to return before the tournament.