'Gabon has a better team' - 2013 Afcon star insists Panthers are not underdogs against Super Eagles

2013 Africa Cup of Nations star Alain Traore believes Gabon should not be considered underdogs ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff against Nigeria in Rabat.

The former Burkina Faso international insists that the Panthers have what it takes to pull off an upset when they face the Super Eagles on Thursday evening.

While Nigeria endured a difficult qualifying campaign, requiring a late surge to clinch a playoff berth, Gabon narrowly missed out on direct qualification, finishing with the highest points total among teams that failed to secure automatic progression.

The Panthers boast several high-profile players, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, one of Africa's most respected footballers, as well as Galatasaray's Mario Lemina and former Sunderland midfielder Didier Ndong.

In contrast, Nigeria's build-up to the playoff has been marred by off-field issues, with players boycotting a scheduled training session on Tuesday in protest over unpaid bonuses and allowances.

Meanwhile, Thierry Mouyouma’s side have been in camp since Monday, preparing intensively in Morocco ahead of the crucial encounter.

Traore who scored three goals at Afcon 2013, believes Gabon are more likely to beat the Super Eagles. 

"Gabon has a better team and a better organization, given what they demonstrated during the World Cup qualifying campaign. In terms of performance," he said on Talents d'Afrique program on Canal+, via Foot Gabon.

"Gabon is now a certainty. Apart from the last qualifying match against Benin, where Nigeria looked very dangerous, the Super Eagles weren't impressive throughout the entire campaign. 

"Gabon has a team that can compete with the top nations on the continent."

The Super Eagles will be aiming to extend their 36-year unbeaten record against Gabon when the two sides clash for a spot in the World Cup playoff final.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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