Morocco has included striker Adnan Abid in its preliminary squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Niger. The 23-year-old, who plays for Belgian club Standard Liège, is also being pursued by the Belgian national team, setting up a direct contest for his international allegiance.

Abid was born in Belgium and has represented them at under-17 and under-19 levels, but is eligible to switch to Morocco under FIFA rules. The player said: "قلبه يميل إلى تمثيل رابع مونديال قطر 2022، هذا بسبب الروابط التي تجمعه ببلد والديه، دون التقليل من اعتزازه بمسقط رأسه بلجيكا." He currently plays for Standard Liège, where he has scored 4 goals and provided 4 assists in 10 matches this season.

The Battle for Allegiance

The Belgian side is moving aggressively to persuade Abid to stay. Reports indicate that Belgium's new coach, Mark van Bommel, is putting pressure on the player, while technical director Simon Mignolet is in direct contact with him. This tussle is part of a broader competition between Morocco and several European nations for dual-national talents.

Abid's call-up comes as Morocco looks to bolster its attack ahead of the home fixture against Niger on 11 November. Morocco's last result was a 1-1 draw with Mali on 4 October, where Abde Ezzalzouli scored from the penalty spot in the 35th minute.

Impressive Rise at Liège

Adnan Abid joined Standard Liège in 2025 for a fee of €1.3 million. Last season (2024-2025), he made 35 appearances, scoring 2 goals and providing 5 assists. In total, he has contributed to 15 goals across 45 matches for the first team. His current market value is estimated at around €8 million.

The striker suffered a knee ligament injury in 2023 during pre-season preparations but has recovered fully and proven his effectiveness this campaign. He began his career at amateur club Andrimont before moving to Oben Academy in 2010 and then Gink Academy in 2017, previously shining in the UEFA Youth League where he scored 4 and assisted 4 in 5 matches during the 2021-2022 season.

Coach Mohamed Wahbi is expected to lead the team in these two key Group 7 qualifiers. Morocco currently sits second in its qualifying group following the recent draw and needs points to strengthen its position in the group standings. The first match against Niger will be played on 11 November in Casablanca.

The original report is at القدس العربي