The Flying Eagles of Nigeria will take on the Young Atlas Lions of Morocco in their second game of the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.
Both teams won their opening games of the tournament, as Nigeria defeated another North African side Tunisia by a lone goal courtesy of Auwal Ibrahim, while Morocco beat Kenya 3-2 in what was an interesting fixture.
While Nigeria showed defensive strength in their first game against Tunisia, Morocco did not. However, the Young Atlas Lions showed that they can score goals against Kenya.
In this piece, Soccernet.ng spotlights five Moroccan players coach Aliyu Zubairu and his Flying Eagles must be wary of.
Yasser Zabiri
Morocco’s first-choice striker Yassir Zabiri announced himself to the world with his brace against Kenya in the first game. The 20-year-old is currently attached to Portuguese club Famalicao.
He is quick, has excellent positioning, and is great at feeding off scraps in the box. Nigeria’s backline has to be sturdy and ensure he does not get an opportunity in the box. If he does, he will surely put the ball in the net.
Saad El Haddad
Venezia-owned Saad El Hadaad is also another player who can create some magic for the Young Atlas Lions on Sunday. He tormented the Kenyan defence with his trickery on the ball, and coach Mohamed Ouahbi will be banking on him to produce the goods again.
El Haddad will be playing just behind Zabiri, so he will be crashing into the box regularly. Coach Zubairu has to warn his lads to track El Haddad’s runs.
Othmane Maamma
Othmane Maamma is one of the players that can also hurt the Flying Eagles. The Montpellier winger is a hardworker on the flanks. He also has a lot of pace and is a very good dribbler. Maamma is also a good crosser of the ball, so the Flying Eagles will have to be limit his effectiveness.
Mouad Dahak
(Photo credit: Morocco FA)
Dahak is the captain of the side and one of the homegrown talents on the team. Dahak is an outlet for the Junior Atlas Lions. He is very quick and nifty. He operates from the left wing and likes to cut in and shoot.
Reda Laalaoui
Reda Laalaoui is one of the highly-rated players on the team. At just 19, he is already playing for one of the best teams in Morocco FUS Rabat.
He is a ready runner in the middle of the park and is ruthless in his marking. The Flying Eagles had an impressive work rate in the first game against Tunisia. But they will find it difficult to dominate the midfield against Morocco on Sunday because of Laalaoui.
It was his pressing that caused Morocco’s first goal against Kenya, and he will be hoping to do something similar against the Flying Eagles.
