Gabon coach says Super Eagles favourites but we are not afraid
Gabon national football team head coach Thierry Mouyouma has declared that his side will face the Super Eagles of Nigeria without fear despite the visitors being clear favourites in their 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff semi-final. The match is set to take place on Thursday 13 November at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco.
Mouyouma acknowledged Nigeria’s superior reputation in African football, stating “we know that Nigeria, a great African team, are the favourites and our under-dog status suits us just fine.” He added that Nigeria will come under pressure because of their status and expectations. “But while we respect them for everything they represent, we’re not afraid,” he said.
Highlighting the challenge ahead, Mouyouma mentioned the danger posed by Nigerian stars such as Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, acknowledging the quality of the Super Eagles’ squad. At the same time, he stressed that Gabon will use their outsider position as motivation rather than a disadvantage.
He also revealed that Gabon will make tactical adjustments for the encounter, aiming to force Nigeria to chase and react rather than dominate the game. “We will have to change things … especially on a tactical and technical level,” Mouyouma explained, adding that the team must control the emotions of their opponents and make them run after the ball.
The stakes are high. The winner of this tie will advance to the final of the African playoff on 16 November against either Cameroon national football team or DR Congo national football team. That final will determine Africa’s representative in the intercontinental playoff in March 2026.
The mood in Rabat is tense as both sides understand what is at stake. While Nigeria enters with the favourites tag and the weight of expectation, Gabon arrives embracing the under-dog role, ready to surprise. With tactical discipline and no fear, Gabon’s coach is determined to make a statement.
