Hamza Igamane’s journey to potentially representing Morocco at the international level is one marked by determination, ambition, and a clear understanding of the path that lies ahead. The 22-year-old striker, who made the move to Rangers in the summer transfer window, is keenly aware that his dream of playing for the Atlas Lions hinges on his ability to perform consistently at club level. Despite the challenges he faces, including fierce competition from some of Morocco’s brightest stars, Igamane remains focused on his ultimate goal—representing his country while achieving success with Rangers.

Since joining Rangers, Igamane has quickly adapted to the demands of Scottish football. He has made a significant impression with his style of play—his intelligent movement off the ball, impressive close control, and clinical finishing ability have all contributed to his growing reputation. These qualities have led to the young forward catching the eye of not only his current club but also various other European teams. Premier League clubs, in particular, have reportedly taken an interest in him, which is a testament to his potential and growing stature in the game.

However, Igamane’s ambition extends far beyond club football. His dream is to represent Morocco on the international stage, and he has made no secret of the fact that this is his primary goal. But he also understands that achieving this dream will not be easy. The Morocco national team has recently seen a resurgence, most notably with their remarkable run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The team’s success has raised the level of competition within the national squad, and securing a place in that squad will require more than just talent—it will take consistent and high-quality performances at club level to catch the eye of Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui.

One of the biggest hurdles Igamane will face in securing a call-up to the Moroccan national team is the fierce competition at his position. Among the players he will need to contend with is Ayoub El Kaabi, a striker currently playing for Olympiakos. El Kaabi is no stranger to big moments in European football, having recently played a key role in Olympiakos’ successful Europa Conference League campaign. His contributions, including a goal against Rangers in the group stage of the Europa League, have earned him recognition not only in Europe but also within Morocco’s national team setup. El Kaabi’s experience and his ability to deliver in crucial matches make him one of the key players Igamane will need to surpass if he is to secure a place in the national squad.

Despite the competition, Igamane has a great deal of respect for El Kaabi, both as a player and as a person. In an interview with Onze Mondial, Igamane referred to El Kaabi as a “brother” and expressed admiration for his achievements, including winning the Europa Conference League with Olympiakos and finishing as the top scorer in the tournament. For Igamane, El Kaabi serves as both a source of inspiration and a role model. “Of course, I was able to draw inspiration from him,” Igamane said. “He still won the Europa Conference League with Olympiakos, and he finished top scorer in the tournament, that’s not nothing. His influence is positive. It makes me want to work even more, to follow in his footsteps, and why not achieve something wonderful with Rangers?” This admiration speaks to Igamane’s mindset—he sees El Kaabi not as a rival but as someone to learn from, someone whose success motivates him to improve and strive for his own accolades.

Igamane’s mature approach to competition is a testament to his professionalism. While he acknowledges the challenge of breaking into a national team that is in a strong position following their World Cup success, he also recognizes that the only way to earn a call-up is through hard work and dedication at club level. For Igamane, his immediate focus is not on the Moroccan national team but on his current role at Rangers. “That’s up to the coach to make his choices,” Igamane stated. “As for me, I haven’t had any official contact with members of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF). But I’m not focusing on that any more than that; I’m focused on my work at the club.” This statement reflects Igamane’s discipline and his understanding that while international recognition is important, his success with Rangers must come first.

This mentality of focusing on what is within his control, namely his performances for Rangers, is key to Igamane’s future prospects. His goal is to make an impact at Rangers, solidifying his place in the first team and helping the club achieve its objectives. If he can continue to develop and perform at a high level, he will undoubtedly attract the attention of Regragui and the Moroccan national team.

Moreover, Igamane’s journey has only just begun. He understands that it will take time to adjust fully to Scottish football, and that success won’t come overnight. He’s committed to improving his game, learning from both experienced players at Rangers and those around him, including El Kaabi. Igamane has shown an eagerness to absorb the best ideas from others, demonstrating his openness to growth and learning. “I don’t hesitate to observe the most experienced players to get the best ideas from them,” he explained. This willingness to learn, coupled with his natural talent, puts him in an excellent position to succeed both at club level and, potentially, on the international stage.

If Igamane continues his development at this rate, it is not far-fetched to imagine him playing for Morocco in the near future. His ambition is clear, but he also knows that earning a place in the national team will require patience, perseverance, and dedication. His story is one of hard work and determination, and if he stays focused on the task at hand, the rewards will follow. A call-up to the Moroccan national team would be the culmination of his efforts, but for now, Igamane is committed to proving himself at Rangers, with the hope that one day, he will be able to partner with the likes of Ayoub El Kaabi in Morocco’s attack, chasing further glory for both club and country.