'We are ready' - Gabon coach looks ahead to potential clash with Super Eagles in WCQ playoffs

Gabon coach Thierry Mouyouma has expressed optimism ahead of a potential clash with Nigeria in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers playoffs, scheduled to take place next month in Morocco.

Pending confirmation of the Fifa rankings next Thursday, the Panthers are projected to face the Super Eagles in the semifinals of the African playoffs.

The winner of that tie will go on to meet the victor of the other semifinal between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Super Eagles secured their playoff berth with a commanding 4–0 victory over Benin, thanks to a Victor Osimhen hat-trick.

For the crucial playoffs, Mouyouma will be boosted by the return of former Arsenal and Chelsea forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who missed the last match against Burundi due to suspension.

Gabon enjoyed a strong qualifying campaign, recording eight wins, one draw and one defeat to amass 25 points — a tally bettered only by Egypt, Ivory Coast and Tunisia.

Their impressive form means they will not be underestimated by Nigeria, who needed a late strike from Frank Onyeka to edge into the playoffs with 17 points.

"To get 25 points and not qualify is hard to take.  We are ready. It will be a good match to play (against Nigeria), and a good test for the 2025 Afcon," Thierry Mouyoum told Sporting News Africa.

The African playoffs for the four best second-placed teams will be held from 13 to 16 November in Morocco, with the overall winner progressing to the intercontinental playoffs for a place at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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