Gabon coach Thierry Mouyouma unfazed by Nigeria threat ahead of World Cup playoff

Head coach of the Gabon, Thierry Mouyouma has downplayed Nigeria threats ahead of the crucial 2026 World Cup playoff this week.

The Panthers narrowly missed out on automatic World Cup qualification after finishing second in F. Gabon are set to participate in a playoff to determine their fate for the tournament to be staged in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

The playoff structure sees Gabon face Nigeria on Thursday, November 13, while Cameroon takes on DR Congo. The winners from both ties will compete on November 16 for a spot in the intercontinental playoffs.

As Gabon gears up for the crucial game, Mouyouma insists his side will not go into the game as underdogs but as equals ready to challenge one of Africa’s football giants.

“The Nigeria we are facing was a top team in the group, and in the end, they did not qualify because they were not first in the group,” Mouyouma said.

“So what used to be said that the strongest always win doesn’t exist today. When you look at it—Nigeria, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon—the top would be Gabon.”

Gabon will be counting heavily on former Chelsea and Barcelona star Pierre Emerick Aubameyang as they seeks qualification to the mundial.