Gabon national team coach, Thierry Mouyouma, has revealed that his side will employ a special tactical setup to neutralise Nigeria’s in-form striker, Victor Osimhen, ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff clash.
Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, Mouyouma described the Galatasaray star as an “unpredictable” forward whose diverse attacking qualities make him a major threat to any defence.
“We have to defend as we wouldn’t defend against just anyone. How do we actually defend against him?” Mouyouma said. “Osimhen is unpredictable — he loves playing in behind, but even when you close those spaces, he can hurt you from set pieces and corners.”
The Gabonese tactician admitted that containing the Super Eagles striker would require collective discipline and strategic precision. “That’s where the complexity lies,” he noted. “We’re going to dissect, debate, and agree on a common defensive strategy to limit his influence.”
Despite missing several qualifiers due to injury, Osimhen remains Nigeria’s top scorer in the campaign with six goals from five appearances.
His recent hat-trick for Galatasaray against Ajax in the UEFA Champions League has further underscored his lethal form in front of goal.
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Mouyouma, however, insisted his team would not play defensively, suggesting that Gabon’s best chance lies in taking the game to Nigeria. “This Nigeria team could stay further back,” he said. “We need to be able to push the game into their half — that’s the solution today.”
Nigeria, led by coach Chelle, are looking to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup after missing out on the last edition in Qatar.
The upcoming playoff promises to be a fierce tactical battle, with both teams eyeing a place among Africa’s elite representatives at the tournament.