The coach of the Gabonese national team, Thierry Mouyouma, has acknowledged Gabon’s underdog status but insisted the Panthers will not fear the three-time African champions.
Highlighting Nigeria’s attacking strength, Mouyouma told Afrik Foot: “We know that Nigeria, a great African team, is the favourite, and our underdog status suits us just fine. 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.”
Apart from Gabon, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo still have chances of reaching the next round of the World Cup playoffs.
Gabon have not beaten Nigeria since a 2-1 victory in a World Cup qualifier in June 1989.