2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Mouyouma admits Gabon were not good enough in Nigeria defeat

Gabon national team coach Thierry Mouyouma has blamed the team’s 4-1 defeat against Nigeria in the semi-final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs on Thursday to avoidable mistakes in key moments.

The Panther’s journey to reach the World Cup came to an end after the defeat at Stade Prince Heritier Moulay Hassan in Morocco. The victory put the Super Eagles one win away from the March Inter-Continental Play-Off where six teams will compete for two World Cup tickets.

Victor Osimhen led the way with a superb brace to settle the tie, and help the Super Eagles secure a comeback win. Akor Adams broke Gabon’s resistance in the 78th minute, but Mario Lemina dragged the Panthers level in the 89th minute. Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead eight minutes into the extra period.

Osimhen took control thereafter: the Galatasaray forward finally converted his pressure into goals with a poacher’s finish on 102 minutes and a solo clincher on 110 to close out a commanding finish from Eric Chelle’s side.

Gabon failed in decisive moments

“We were not good enough in the opposite box, and we didn’t defend well in our own box. Nigeria did both and scored,” said Mouyouma. “The game was decided by little margins, and the scoreline doesn’t reflect how well we competed against one of the best attacking teams in Africa.”

“We have learned our lessons and will take them into the AFCON. It is painful that our dream of qualifying for the continental playoff is over, but we will regroup.”

Nigeria will return to Stade Prince Heritier Moulay Hassan on Sunday to face DR Congo, who defeated Cameroon 1-0 in another playoff fixture, for a shot at the FIFA Play-Off Tournament and, ultimately, a place at World Cup 26.

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