Wahbi explains reasons for En-Nesyri's return and reveals secret behind Oufkir's call-up

Morocco coach Mohamed Wahbi has clarified the situation regarding Youssef En-Nesyri's return to the national team after missing recent gatherings. He also revealed the technical factors that convinced the coaching staff to call up Ayoub Oufkir, the AZ Alkmaar player, for the first time in preparation for the matches against Niger in the Africa Cup of Nations Qualification for 2027.

Walid Regragui confirmed during the press conference announcing the national team squad that Youssef En-Nesyri has not been out of the coaching staff's interest since the beginning of his tenure. He clarified that En-Nesyri's absence from the recent call-ups was not due to a decline in his status or exclusion from considerations, but rather to give opportunities to other forwards whose technical characteristics matched the team's needs during the previous phase.

The press conference revealed that the coaching staff closely monitored the Saudi Pro League striker's participation in various competitions, including the Saudi Pro League, the King Cup, and the AFC Champions League. It was noted that his attacking abilities make him a viable option to contribute, especially against Niger, given the nature of the encounter and the specific technical characteristics it requires.

Walid Regragui emphasized that Youssef En-Nesyri's absence from previous lists was not a final decision, confirming that the coaching staff wanted to test other attacking options during the past period, before deciding to reintegrate the Ittihad striker into the group, as he deemed the current phase suitable to benefit from his experience and capabilities.

In contrast, the coach of the Moroccan national team revealed the reasons that led him to give a first call-up to Ayoub Oufkir, explaining that the young player has made a name for himself in the eyes of the technical staff thanks to his performances with AZ Alkmaar, along with his outstanding technical abilities.

Wahbi explained that Ayoub Oufkir's main strengths lie in his speed and vitality on the pitch, as well as his dribbling skills and ability to bypass defenders and create chances through crosses. These abilities could provide the national team with additional solutions in the attacking phase.

He added that the player's ability to occupy the left wing position gives the coaching staff various options in terms of attacking movements, and it may also help to better exploit Youssef En-Nesyri's abilities, especially since the Saudi Pro League striker excels at dealing with crosses and aerial balls inside the penalty area.

These selections come as part of Mohamed Wahbi's strategy to strengthen the attacking force of the Moroccan national team, by leveraging the experience of players with international experience, while also giving young talents the opportunity to prove their abilities and contribute to upcoming competitions.

Morocco will face Niger in their first match on November 13 at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, before the two teams meet again on the 17th of the same month at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.