Gabon Coach Thierry Mouyouma Says Team Ready to Face Nigeria in World Cup Play-Offs

Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma has expressed confidence ahead of his team’s clash with Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Gabon ended their qualifying campaign with eight wins, one draw, and one loss, collecting 25 points — just one short of Group F winners Côte d’Ivoire, who earned automatic qualification.

“To get 25 points and not qualify is hard to take,” Mouyouma told Sport News Africa. “But we are ready. It will be a good match to play, and a good test for the 2025 AFCON,” he added.

Nigeria also finished second in their group, behind South Africa, who qualified automatically and will make their first World Cup appearance since 2010.

The African play-offs will be held in Morocco from November 13 to 16. Nigeria will face Gabon, while Cameroon will take on DR Congo. The winner of each bracket will advance to the intercontinental play-offs scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico.