FIFA World Cup 2026 Playoff: Gabon plots how to stop gangling striker , Victor Osimhen
By Abdulgafar Oladimeji
Gabonese national football team gaffer Thierry Mouyouma has disclosed that his side is strategizing on how to contain rampaging Super Eagles striker , Victor Osimhen when both side clash in the FIFA 2026 world cup play off match that would hold in Morocco.
Thierry Mouyouma, who has released the names of his 26-man squad to do battle against the Nigerians has described the Nigerian hitman as unpredictable. He said “We have to defend as we wouldn’t against just anyone. How do we actually defend against him (Oshimen, he queried.
“This type of player can be unpredictable, but he also loves playing in behind. The ability to reduce the distances behind us is one way, but even if you solve this problem, he has another side to his game — set pieces and corners.
“That’s where the complexity lies. That’s where the work of a coach becomes interesting, because we are going to dissect, debate, and agree on a common defensive strategy.
“This Nigerian team could stay further back. We need to be able to take the match into the opponents’ half of the pitch. I think that’s the solution to the problem today.” Thierry Mouyouma said.
The 2026 CAF World Cup playoff fixtures semi-final between Nigeria and Gabon, will be taking place on November 13, 2025. The winners will play the final on November 16, 2025 in Morocco.
