Youssef En-Nesyri has been recalled to the Morocco squad for the double-header against Niger on 13 and 17 November, with head coach Mohamed Ouahbi saying the striker deserves the chance to show he can fit into his tactical approach.
The Al-Ittihad forward had been absent from Morocco’s plans since the last Africa Cup of Nations, where he failed to score. He is one of the country’s most experienced active internationals, with 92 caps and 25 goals, but this will be his first selection since Ouahbi took charge.
En-Nesyri had been a regular under Walid Regragui, competing with Ayoub El Kaabi for a starting place. However, Ouahbi’s preferred approach places greater emphasis on forwards who can help build attacks, drop into midfield and combine in tight areas.
That profile has been represented by Ismael Saibari, who has regularly operated as a false nine. En-Nesyri, by contrast, is primarily a penalty-box striker, offering a major threat in the air, through his runs in behind and with his finishing, but contributing less to the creative phase of attacks.
Ouahbi said En-Nesyri had remained under close observation despite not being selected earlier.
“He has been monitored like all the players since the first day with Al-Ittihad. In the Champions League, the cup, the league... We watch his matches every week,” he told a news conference.
“Today, his profile can bring us something, especially against a team like Niger. He is not a player we put to one side. We prioritised other players.
“He is a player we know very well, but we also have to be honest with him and give him the opportunity to show himself in our style of play. We are very happy to be able to select him.”
The recall comes with Morocco missing several attacking options. Saibari, Sofiane Rahimi, El Kaabi and Hamza Igamane are all unavailable, leaving En-Nesyri as a logical alternative because of his international experience and distinctive qualities.
The 28-year-old has also rediscovered his form in Saudi Arabia, scoring seven goals in 13 league appearances. He is now eight caps short of reaching 100 appearances for Morocco.
The matches against Niger, for which Morocco will start as strong favourites, could therefore offer En-Nesyri an opportunity to revive his place in the squad. His movement in the box and ability to finish may provide Ouahbi with a different option in attack.
The striker’s challenge will be to show he can adapt to the new manager’s ideas rather than remain merely a replacement brought in because of other absences.