‘Gabon is a fast-improving side’ - Ex-Nigerian player urges Super Eagles not to look down on Aubameyang’s side

Nigeria advanced to the playoff stage after a commanding 4-0 win against Benin at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.

The victory secured their position as the second-place team in Group C with 17 points, which was sufficient to see them through as one of the top-ranked runners-up in the African qualifiers.

Ahead of the playoffs, Peterside has urged the team not to underestimate Gabon ahead of their critical schedule for November in Morocco.

The three-time African champions are now set to face Gabon in the playoff semi-finals. A win would propel them into a final-round clash against either DR Congo or Cameroon for a spot in the intercontinental playoffs.

In an interview with Soccer Beat, Peterside highlighted Gabon as a rapidly developing team, emphasising the threat posed by star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and his teammates. 

He pointed to their recent form as evidence of their growth, drawing parallels with the rise of teams like Cape Verde, and stressed that they could be a dangerous opponent if taken lightly.

"Gabon is a fast-improving side," Peterside noted, cautioning that underestimating them would be a grave mistake for Nigeria.

The former goalkeeper called on the Super Eagles to remain focused and demonstrate the quality befitting one of Africa's football giants. 

He insisted that Nigeria must assert its dominance and prove its continental pedigree against Gabon before looking ahead to a potential final.