Regragui: "Hakimi Contracted a Cold Before Cameroon Match, Yet Showed His Value as a Player"

Walid Regragui confirmed that Achraf Hakimi is recovering from a cold and has demonstrated his value as a player. He noted that Hakimi would be able to deliver an outstanding performance to carry the team and secure victory against Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final.

During the pre-match press conference, Regragui stated: "It was impossible for him to be fully ready against Zambia, then he played 90 minutes against Tanzania to overcome the psychological barrier from the injury."

He added: "Hakimi contracted a cold before the Cameroon match, and we had doubts because muscle injuries are possible after a cold. Despite that, he showed his value as a player."

Regragui continued: "When you are a coach and you have Achraf Hakimi, you are happy. Tomorrow, he will deliver an exceptional technical performance, and he will now carry this team because we have a dream, and his mission began since the injury."

Walid Regragui concluded: "I hope Achraf Hakimi continues to complete his mission tomorrow."

The match will take place tomorrow at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, kicking off at 21:00 (GMT+1), as part of the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.