As the countdown continues to Thursday’s high-stakes World Cup play-off between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Gabon’s Panthers in Rabat, Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma has revealed plans to alter his tactics and coaching setup in preparation for the formidable Nigerian side.

Speaking to the Gabonese Press Agency, Mouyouma admitted that the quality and stature of Nigeria have compelled him to rethink his strategy and make adjustments in both his technical approach and backroom team.

“We will have to change things against Nigeria, especially on a tactical and even technical level,” the coach said.

Mouyouma, known for his preference for possession-based football, emphasized that controlling the rhythm of play will be crucial if his team is to have any chance against the more experienced and physically imposing Super Eagles.

“It is important that we control the emotion of our opponent,” he explained. “We must make them run after the ball and play behind their lines.”

Gabon will be banking on their youthful energy and tactical discipline to stand up to Nigeria’s star-studded lineup, which includes top European-based players.

The Panthers head into the fixture aware that a disciplined and inventive performance will be required to upset one of Africa’s football powerhouses — a challenge Mouyouma appears determined to meet with bold changes and renewed tactical focus.

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Gabonese forward Royce Openda has described his surprise and excitement after receiving his first-ever senior national team call-up for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off against Nigeria.

The young striker, who plays for Girondins de Bordeaux’s National 2 side, has been in fine form recently, providing the decisive assist in his team’s recent victory over Locminé — a performance that helped extend Bordeaux’s impressive run of results.

Speaking to Forever, Openda admitted that he never expected a call-up at this stage of his career, given that he currently plays in the French fourth division.

“I didn’t expect to be called up to the Gabonese national team, since we’re in the National 2 division, even though it’s with Girondins de Bordeaux,” Openda said. “This is my first call-up to the senior squad, even though I played for all the youth teams.”

Having represented Gabon across all youth levels, the 21-year-old sees this selection as a major milestone — the culmination of years of hard work and steady progression.

Openda expressed both humility and determination as he prepared to link up with the senior squad, emphasizing his desire to learn and contribute to the team’s success.

“It’s a new and exciting chapter,” he added. “I’m proud and ready to give my best for the national team.”

For the promising forward, the call-up not only marks a personal breakthrough but also a moment of pride for Gabonese football, as the Panthers gear up for a decisive showdown with the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Rabat, Morocco.

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The Super Eagles’ camp in Rabat, Morocco, is beginning to buzz with activity as players arrive ahead of Thursday’s crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off clash against Gabon.

Early arrivals in camp include Fulham FC stars Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze, who were among the first to report for national duty.

Also already settled in are Wilfred Ndidi, recently named vice-captain of Turkish side Beşiktaş, Tolu Arokodare of Genk, and Olakunle Olusegun, who plies his trade with FC Krasnodar in Russia.

The team’s technical crew and backroom staff arrived earlier to make logistical and tactical preparations for the decisive encounter, ensuring a smooth start to the training sessions scheduled for Monday evening.

Nigeria will face Gabon on Thursday in the first of two semi-final fixtures in the CAF-organised World Cup play-off tournament.

The winner over two legs will progress to the Intercontinental Play-offs in March 2026 — the final hurdle toward qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Team officials say more players are expected in Rabat by Monday night, with full training expected to commence on Tuesday morning.

The Super Eagles will focus on fine-tuning their tactical shape, fitness, and set-piece routines under the supervision of head coach Eric Chelle, who has emphasized discipline, intensity, and unity in camp.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that all travel and camp arrangements have been finalised, with morale high among players and officials as the team seeks to secure an early advantage against a competitive Gabonese side.

The Super Eagles are expected to hold a closed-door session on Wednesday before Thursday’s play-off, which will be staged at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

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