You said that before — Gabon coach responds to Osimhen comments ahead of showdown

Victor Osimhen was instrumental in securing the Super Eagles' playoff berth, scoring a hat-trick against Benin to push Eric Chelle's men across the line.

Ahead of next week's crucial playoff fixture against Gabon, Osimhen rallied fans by promising to score the goals required to help Nigeria beat Gabon and qualify for the World Cup.

When asked to respond to Osimhen's comments, Mouyouma quickly dismissed them, instead praising Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's superior commitment.

"Osimhen said he would do everything to take Nigeria to the World Cup," Mouyouma said at Thursday's press conference.

"I think Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has already answered this question and demonstrated by scoring four goals against The Gambia.

"Against Burundi, he did not return to his club to prepare for the next fixtures. He stayed with his teammates to show that he really wants to lead the national team to the World Cup. So, I have almost nothing to say about Osimhen's words."

The coach then delivered a final dig at Osimhen, suggesting his words lacked conviction.

"It's motivation, a call to unite his team behind him. But he also said in the last Afcon that he would do everything to bring the cup to Nigeria.

"Unfortunately, Ivory Coast won. Well, these are motivational words that everyone uses without conviction. It’s his opinion alone."