Mouyouma also highlighted the Super Eagles’ attacking strength but noted that Nigeria will be under pressure during the World Cup play-off.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Gabon’s head coach, Thierry Mouyouma, has admitted that the Panthers are the underdogs in the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa play-off semi-final against Nigeria’s Super Eagles, slated for the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco on Thursday, November 13th.
He made this known during a recent interview with Afrik-Foot ahead of the highly anticipated game.
Nigeria and Gabon will compete for a place in the final of the World Cup play-off in the 22,000-capacity stadium.
The winner of the semi-final will face the winner of the other encounter between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final.
The victorious team in the final will then advance to the inter-confederation play-offs for a spot at the 2026 World Cup in North America.
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Gabon have not beaten the three-time African champions since a 2-1 victory in a World Cup qualifier in June 1989.
However, speaking ahead of the match, Mouyouma noted that even though the Super Eagles are the favourites, they will be under pressure.
He went on to highlight Nigeria’s attacking strength, but added that his players will not fear them.
“We know that Nigeria, a great African team, is the favourite, and our underdog status suits us just fine,” Mouyouma said.
He added, “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.”
