Gabon national team coach Thierry Mouyouma giving instructions during a match.
Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma says his team will approach their 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semi-final clash with Nigeria’s Super Eagles without fear, reports Completesports.com.
Mouyouma, however, admitted that the Super Eagles are favourites to win the tie.
“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.”
Mouyouma’s side will face Nigeria at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat on Thursday.
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