Former Nigeria international Femi Opabunmi disclosed to Footy-Africa that Morocco have the quality, organisation and momentum to overcome Scotland in their crucial World Cup group-stage encounter.
The Atlas Lions impressed many observers with a spirited opening performance against Brazil, earning a draw that underlined their growing reputation on the global stage. They now face a Scotland side buoyed by victory over Haiti in their first match.
For Opabunmi, who made history by representing Nigeria as a teenager at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Morocco have already shown enough to suggest they can emerge victorious.
“Regarding the Morocco game against Scotland, Morocco will overcome Scotland—that’s for sure,” Opabunmi told Footy-Africa.
“They will overcome them, that’s for sure, because you can see that this Morocco team is well-organized. They have proved themselves on African soil and on the world stage. They are playing their best at the moment to make sure that they are doing well.”
The former winger expects a very different contest from Morocco’s opening encounter against Brazil, predicting a more expansive game with both sides looking for victory.
“This is different from the Brazil game, it’s going to be open and both sides would want to go for it, but I think Morocco will win.”
Scotland opened their campaign with a victory against Haiti and possess several dangerous players competing in England’s Premier League. However, Opabunmi believes Morocco have enough quality throughout the squad to cope with that threat.
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“Scotland beat Haiti in their opening game, but I know that Morocco will be tough for Scotland in this second match,” he said. “They have good players and great coach, so I see Morocco going far.”
Bouaddi’s dream World Cup moment
Opabunmi also reflected on the emergence of Morocco’s teenage midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who made his World Cup debut against Brazil at just 18 years old.
The Nigerian knows exactly what the youngster is experiencing. Opabunmi was only 17 when he appeared for the Super Eagles at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, becoming one of the youngest players ever to represent Nigeria at football’s biggest tournament.
He described Bouaddi’s achievement as a dream realised for any young footballer.
“As for the young player playing for Morocco (Ayyoub Bouaddi), I’m sure it’s a dream come true for him to play in a big event like the World Cup,” Opabunmi said.
“It’s not an easy task, because I also featured for Nigeria at the World Cup as a teenager but we have to glorify the Lord and thank God for the gift of life.”
The former Nigeria international believes appearing at a World Cup remains the ultimate ambition for players around the world.
“It is dream for any footballer to play in the World Cup; that’s the biggest event in life.”
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Despite his young age, Bouaddi has already demonstrated the qualities needed to compete at the highest level, according to Opabunmi.
“He’s very good and I wish him all the best.”
Prediction
With Morocco seeking to build on their encouraging start against Brazil and Scotland aiming to secure qualification to the knockout rounds, Opabunmi is backing the North Africans to edge a closely fought contest.
“So, game against Scotland, Morocco will come out successfully,” he said. “I predict the game will end 2-1 Morocco victory.”
