Gabon’s national team coach, Thierry Mouyouma, has revealed that his Panthers squad will face the Super Eagles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff without fear.
Despite his confident stance, Mouyouma acknowledged that Nigeria remain the favourites to claim victory in the semi-final clash.
He also noted that the three-time African champions will carry added pressure heading into the game.
“We know that Nigeria, a great African nation, are the favourites, and our status as an outsider suits us very well,” Mouyouma told Afrik Foot.
“Nigeria will have more pressure, which makes sense. But if we respect this team for everything they represent, we don’t fear it.
“We know the value of its workforce, the dangers that are Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. And I think Nigeria knows us very well.
“We know that to play in the World Cup, you will have to beat the Super Eagles, then DR Congo or Cameroon, and one or two teams in March.
“It is a long journey. We knew it, but these games will advance the team and the technical staff.
“There are big stakes, and emotionally, I prefer that we play games like the one on November 13, like those of the AFCON, than friendly matches.”
The Panthers will lock horns with the Super Eagles on Thursday at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat.
