Wahbi clarifies the national team's attacking strategy.

Moroccan national team coach Mohamed Wahbi explained the reasons behind calling up striker Youssef En-Nesyri to the "Atlas Lions" squad after his absence from previous gatherings. He also discussed the technical skills that led the coaching staff to invite Ayoub Oufkir, a player from AZ Alkmaar, for the first time in preparation for the matches against Niger in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

During the press conference announcing the squad, Wahbi pointed out that En-Nesyri had been under the coaching staff's observation since the beginning of his tenure. He emphasized that his absence from previous selections was not due to being out of the team's plans but rather to give opportunities to other strikers with similar technical characteristics that met his requirements at that time.

The national coach noted that the technical staff had followed all of En-Nesyri's matches with Al-Ittihad, whether in the Saudi league, the cup, or the AFC Champions League, indicating that his attacking capabilities could add value to the team, especially against Niger, considering the nature of the match and the player's attributes.

Wahbi confirmed that En-Nesyri was not completely excluded, clarifying that the previous phase allowed other names to showcase their skills before the coaching staff decided to reinstate the Al-Ittihad striker to the squad, believing that the current time is suitable to benefit from his experience and skills.

In the same context, Wahbi addressed the reasons for calling up Ayoub Oufkir to the senior team for the first time, explaining that the young player caught the coaching staff's attention due to his technical skills and the performance he has been delivering with AZ Alkmaar.

The national coach pointed out that Oufkir is characterized by speed, mobility, and dribbling ability, in addition to his skill in getting past defenders and delivering good crosses, which enhances the national team's attacking options.

Wahbi also considered that the player's ability to play on the left wing could help the team diversify its attacking strategies and provide more opportunities for striker Youssef En-Nesyri, who excels at exploiting crosses and aerial balls inside the penalty area.

The combination of reinstating En-Nesyri and giving Oufkir a chance reflects the coaching staff's efforts to strengthen the national team's attacking options, benefiting from the experience of seasoned players alongside the ambitions of young talents in preparation for upcoming challenges.

The national team will face Niger on November 13 at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, with a return match scheduled for November 17 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.