Morocco’s Under-20 national team head coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, has revealed that three of his key players are nursing injuries ahead of their crucial match against Nigeria’s Flying Eagles at the ongoing 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations.
The trio, Abdallah Boual, Yassir Zabiri, and Reda Laalaoui, are all dealing with different injuries that could potentially impact their availability for the match against Nigeria.
Boual experienced discomfort in his adductor muscle, while Zabiri sustained a sprained ankle during the match against Kenya. Laalaoui, on the other hand, arrived in camp already dealing with pain from a previous outing with FUS Rabat.
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Ouahbi confirmed that the nature of the injuries is still being assessed and that the players will undergo medical tests to determine the extent of their injuries.
“We are awaiting the results of the medical tests tonight and will handle the situation with caution,” Ouahbi said during his post-match press conference.
“No player would be risked against Nigeria unless declared fully fit. We have 26 players on the list and will not risk any player. Our goal is to prepare everyone in the best possible way without exposing them to danger.” The Morocco coach’s comments come ahead of a crucial match against Nigeria, which could secure a place in the semifinals and qualification for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
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Morocco currently tops Group B with three points and three goals, edging out Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, who also won their opening match but with a lesser goal tally.
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The Flying Eagles, however, will be looking to bounce back from their injury concerns and make a strong impression against Morocco.
Nigeria’s coach, Zubairu Ambeto, will likely need to make some tactical adjustments to counter the Moroccan threat and ensure his team emerges victorious.
The Africa U20 Cup of Nations is a platform for young players to showcase their talents, and the competition is expected to be fierce. Both teams will need to be at their best to emerge victorious and progress to the next stage.
