We are underdogs — Gabon coach explains why they can beat Super Eagles

Gabon national team coach Thierry Mouyouma said the bulk of the pressure ahead of the upcoming playoff clash against Nigeria is on the Super Eagles, who are the favourites.

After finishing as one of the four best second-placed teams in their qualifying group, the Super Eagles kept their World Cup dreams alive but will have to navigate the playoffs, with the Panthers posing the first obstacle. 

Nigeria play the West African nation on Thursday; success in that tie will qualify them to face either DR Congo or Cameroon. However, Mouyouma, Gabon's coach, is confident in his team's chances. 

The Super Eagles are currently ranked 41st in the world, and despite finishing as the best second-place team, collecting more points than some group winners, Gabon are 36 places behind at 77th. 

Hence, Mouyouma is not wrong to tag the Super Eagles as favourites. He plans to use their underdog status as an advantage, as he believes the Nigerian players will be under pressure.

“We know that Nigeria, a great African team, is the favourite, and our underdog status suits us just fine,” he said, per Afrika Foot. “Nigeria will be under more pressure, which is understandable. 

“But while we respect them for everything they represent, we're not afraid of them. We know the quality of their squad, the dangers posed by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. And I think Nigeria knows us very well.”

Meanwhile, Mouyouma and his team received a boost this evening, as reports from Morocco revealed that the Super Eagles players failed to train in protest of unpaid bonuses.