As the countdown continues to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff clash between Nigeria and Gabon, the Panthers’ head coach Thierry Mouyouma is not leaving any stone unturned.
The Gabonese tactician has openly acknowledged the immense challenge posed by Nigeria’s prolific striker, Victor Osimhen, describing him as a “difficult problem” to solve.
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated encounter, Mouyouma praised the Super Eagles talisman for his unpredictability, lethal movement, and aerial prowess, noting that his team will require a specialized tactical approach to contain the Napoli forward.
“We have to defend as we wouldn’t defend against just anyone,” Mouyouma admitted. “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.”
Osimhen has been in sensational form both for club and country. Despite missing some fixtures due to fitness issues, he has scored six goals in five World Cup qualifying matches, including a stunning hat-trick in Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 win over Benin on October 14.
At club level, the Nigerian forward continues to make waves, with his recent treble against Ajax Amsterdam propelling him to the top of the UEFA Champions League scoring charts. His ability to single-handedly dismantle defenses has made him one of the most feared strikers in world football.
For Mouyouma, dealing with Osimhen’s dynamism requires a collective and disciplined effort from his defenders. “That’s where the complexity lies,” he said. “That’s where the work of a coach becomes interesting, because we are going to dissect, debate, and agree on a common defensive strategy.”
The Gabonese coach also hinted that his side will focus on ball possession and territorial dominance as part of their plan. “This Nigeria 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.”
Looking ahead, Mouyouma emphasized that playing against top African teams like Nigeria is part of Gabon’s growth process. “It will be a clash of styles. We perhaps need to improve our game management, slow the tempo, manage our energy, and counter their set pieces and runs in behind the defense,” he said. “It’s by playing against Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, and Nigeria that we progress.”
As anticipation builds for the playoff showdown, all eyes will be on Victor Osimhen — the man Mouyouma calls “unpredictable” — to see if he can once again deliver the magic that has defined his career so far.
