'The dangers posed by Osimhen and Lookman' - Gabon coach admits Super Eagles are favourites

Gabon manager Thierry Mouyouma has admitted that Nigeria are favourites ahead of their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff but insists the Panthers are not scared to face the three-time African champions. 

The Panthers booked a semifinal playoff clash with the Super Eagles after finishing as the team with the highest points total among those that missed out on direct qualification for the World Cup.

Nigeria struggled in the earlier rounds of the World Cup qualifiers and staged a late recovery to book their playoff place. 

A hat-trick from Victor Osimhen and a superb volley by Frank Onyeka sealed a commanding 4-0 victory over Benin on October 14, propelling the Super Eagles into the next round.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has twenty-three players at his disposal for Thursday's game, including Premier League stars Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, Frank Onyeka and Tolu Arokodare.

Mouyouma acknowledged the pedigree and attacking threat of the Super Eagles, singling out Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman as players his team must be wary of.

"We know that Nigeria, a great African team, is the favourite, and our underdog status suits us just fine," Mouyouma said to Afrik Foot. 

"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."

Nigeria and Gabon are battling for a place in the final of the African playoffs, with the winner facing either Cameroon or Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday.

The qualification journey will not end there as the eventual winner of the African playoffs will advance to the Intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2026.

"We know that to qualify for the World Cup, we'll have to beat the Super Eagles, then DR Congo or Cameroon, and one or two more teams in March. 

"It's a long road. We knew that, but these matches will help the team and the coaching staff improve. 

"There's a lot at stake, and emotionally, I'd rather we play matches like the one on November 13th, like those in the Africa Cup of Nations, than friendlies," Mouyouma added. 

Nigeria have not lost to Gabon since a 2-1 defeat in a World Cup qualifier in June 1989.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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