Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma has conceded that Nigeria are clear favourites heading into their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff, but says his side will not be intimidated by the three-time African champions.
The Panthers sealed their spot in the playoff after finishing as the best-ranked team among those that narrowly missed out on direct qualification.
They now face a stern test against a resurgent Super Eagles side boasting some of Africa’s top attacking talent.
Mouyouma, speaking to Afrik Foot, admitted that Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman pose significant threats but maintained that Gabon are mentally ready for the challenge.
“We know that Nigeria, a great African team, is the favourite, and our underdog status suits us just fine,” Mouyouma said.
“Nigeria will be under more pressure, which is understandable. But while we respect them for everything they represent, we’re not afraid of them.
“We know the quality of their squad, the dangers posed by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. And I think Nigeria knows us very well.”
Super Eagles at full strength for playoff
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has assembled a 23-man squad for Thursday’s clash, with top names including Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, Frank Onyeka and Tolu Arokodare already in camp.
The Super Eagles reached the playoff after a strong finish to the group stage, capped by a 4-0 victory over Benin on October 14, courtesy of an Osimhen hat-trick and a volley from Onyeka.
Pathway to the 2026 World Cup
Nigeria and Gabon are vying for a spot in the African playoff final, where the winner will face Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday.
The eventual champion of that round will then progress to the Intercontinental playoffs in March 2026 for a final shot at qualification.
Mouyouma, however, views the challenge as an opportunity for growth.
“We know that to qualify for the World Cup, we’ll have to beat the Super Eagles, then DR Congo or Cameroon, and one or two more teams in March. It’s a long road, but these matches will help us improve as a team and as a staff.”
Nigeria hold historical edge
The Super Eagles head into the fixture with confidence, having not lost to Gabon since a 2-1 defeat in June 1989.
With Osimhen and Lookman in electric form, and a full squad now assembled in Rabat, Nigeria will look to extend that record and edge closer to a return to the world’s biggest football stage.
