Nigeria kept their World Cup hopes alive with a 4-1 extra-time win over Gabon in Rabat on Thursday, November 13, and Gabon coach Thierry Mouyouma has called the Super Eagles one of Africa’s most dangerous attacking sides, Footynaija.com reports.
The win sends the Super Eagles into Sunday’s play-off final against DR Congo, with the victor advancing to the inter-confederation playoffs for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Eric Chelle’s squad overcame a training dispute over unpaid bonuses that threatened preparations, steadied their nerves in a tight contest and produced the finishing that had been missing for much of the 90 minutes.
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“We were not good enough in the opposite box and we did not defend well in our own box. Nigeria did both and scored,” Mouyouma said, according to a report by Panafrica Football.
“The game was decided by little margins and the scoreline does not reflect how well we competed against one of the best attacking teams in Africa.”
Mouyouma added that the defeat is painful but educative, and that Gabon will regroup ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
“We have learned our lessons and will take them to the AFCON. It is painful that our dream of qualifying for the continental playoff is over but we will regroup,” he said in the same interview.
Sunday’s final against DR Congo will be decisive. With Sébastien Desabre’s side known for their discipline, it sets up another high-pressure clash where one result could shape a nation’s World Cup path.
For Super Eagles coach, a win on Sunday would strengthen his credentials and keep Nigeria on course for the inter-confederation playoffs.
