Gabon’s national team’s coach, Thierry Mouyouma has admitted ahead of Thursday’s clash with the Super Eagles that they know the quality of players in the Nigerian national team and the opponents will surely put his side under pressure.
Sports247 reports that Mouyouma singled out Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman as the dangermen to watch out for in the Eagles’ squad, then added that his players will be ready to cage them.
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He went on to acknowledge that the Eagles must be respected for the quality that they possess, but quickly interjected that The Panthers do not fear the Nigerians.
Mouyouma told Afrik Foot: “We know that Nigeria, a great African nation, are the favourites, and our status as an outsider suits us very well.
“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.”
The Gabonese gaffer concluded by pointing out that the desire and zeal of reaching the World Cup for the first in their history will spur his players on to pull off a shock win over Nigeria in Thursday’s decisive encounter.
“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,” Mouyouma theorised.
Thursday’s game, starting at 5pm Nigeria time, will be played in the magnificent Moulay El Hassan Stadium, which has been the home ground of top Moroccan club, FUS Rabat since 2012.
A preview by Tribal Football added in part, “Originally renovated in 2012, the stadium had a seating capacity of 22,000 before it was demolished in 2024 to make way for Morocco’s preparations to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
“The redevelopment aimed to transform the stadium into a modern urban venue, integrating commercial centres and public spaces to actively contribute to Rabat’s city life.
“Its design blends traditional Moroccan craftsmanship, using glazed terracotta, with advanced engineering, creating a striking, contemporary structure.
“The stadium not only reflects Moroccan culture but also emphasises sustainability, standing as an iconic addition to the capital’s skyline.”
Sports247 adds that the winner of Thursday’s game will await the victorious side between Cameroon and DR Congo, who face off on Friday, following which they will move on to Sunday’s final at the same arena where Nigeria tango Gabon in the first match of the play-offs.
