Hakimi: Achievements of Moroccan Teams Are a Motivation for the 'Lions'... No Excuses in the Africa Cup of Nations

Achraf Hakimi, player of the Moroccan senior national football team, confirmed on Friday evening that the achievements made by other teams, especially the U-20 World Cup and the Arab Cup by the reserve team, "constitute a motivation, not a pressure factor on the senior national team," acknowledging that "the style of play in Africa is different," but he emphasized "there are no excuses."

During his appearance on the program "Guest of the Passport," organized by "Youth Passport" supervised by the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Hakimi responded to a question about whether "the results of the U-20 World Cup and the Arab Cup represent pressure or motivation (for the senior team) to deliver more," saying it is "more of a motivation than pressure."

The Moroccan international player, who was a guest on the program alongside Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, added that "the level of the national team has risen significantly compared to before, and our ambition is always to win all competitions."

He stressed the players' pride "in the achievements of all national teams," considering that "these results represent a responsibility and a motivation to continue winning because Morocco is a great nation," in his words.

Regarding whether the national team has developed in terms of understanding the details of African football, Hakimi said: "Yes, the style of play in Africa is different, but today there are no excuses."

He continued, "The Africa Cup of Nations is in Morocco, and we have ideal infrastructure, sometimes better than Europe," he said.

Hakimi, the international player, believes that "it depends on controlling our emotions and the details of the matches," emphasizing that there are "great players in the senior national team, and we are ready to keep this cup at home, God willing."

In the same context, Hakimi pointed out that "the infrastructure and organization (for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations) are amazing, and we will witness the best edition of the AFCON," confirming: "We are also ready to host the World Cup."

Hakimi reassured Moroccan fans that "the team is ready (for the continental competition) with high ambition," acknowledging the magnitude of "the responsibility on our shoulders, which is a motivation for us," and added: "All Moroccans are proud of us, and we are proud of your support and know that you stand behind us."

Regarding his advice to young people who "want to pursue a successful sports career like him," Hakimi recommended "working hard, focusing on studies, and chasing the dream," addressing the youth attending remotely the "Guest of the Passport" program: "Do not listen to those who tell you that you are not capable."

He added: "When I was in school, I used to miss some classes because of my dream of football, and teachers would ask me: Why are you wasting your time? You will not become a player," but "today I am here. Keep chasing your dreams, and despite difficult moments, do not give up, because after hard work come the best moments, which are: achieving the dream."