Walid Regragui did not mince words as he admitted his role as Morocco’s head coach could be on the line if his team fail to beat Nigeria and end the Atlas Lions’ 50-year AFCON title drought.
Ahead of a crunch semifinal match against Nigeria in Rabat, Regragui said, in his pre-game presser that he welcomes the criticisms and pressure.
“My country is like this, you have to accept this when you’re the head coach of Morocco; every result is criticized,” Regragui said defiantly.
“But, I do my best for my Country.”
“Every Coach makes mistakes, but I’m staying focused with my team and keep fighting for the Country.”
Four years ago in Qatar, the Coach guided Morocco to a historic semifinal place at the FIFA World Cup, but the 50 year-old believes he doesn’t seem to have earned the respect he deserves.
“About the criticisms, I tell my players there’s nothing I can do, but their performances on the pitch earns me a lot because when you lose only 4 games in Three-and- a half years and each the semis of both the World Cup and AFCON, it should mean something.”
“But here in Morocco it’s different, they still find faults.”
Wednesday encounter will be held inside the 68,000 capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the grounds have hosted all of Morocco’s games at this AFCON, winning four out of five including a 2-0 victory against 5-time winners Cameroun, in the quarter final.
Regragui also used the occasion to call on the home fans to get behind their team, again.
“Cameroun came here with a lot of confidence, but this stadium is very difficult for opponents.”
“I hope the fans will bring that support and show to Nigeria that it is very difficult to win in Morocco.”
Both Morocco and Nigeria have met 5 times in the AFCON, and the head to head record favors the North Africans.
However, at this stage in 1980, Nigeria pipped Morocco by a lone goal, scored by Felix Owolabi and the Eagles went on to win the title for the first time.
