Gabon Coach Blames Key Errors For 4–1 Loss To Super Eagles

Gabon Coach Blames Key Errors For 4–1 Loss To Super Eagles

By Niyi Busari 

Gabon’s national team coach, Thierry Mouyouma, has attributed his side’s 4–1 loss to the Super Eagles to critical lapses in both penalty areas during their World Cup playoff semifinal clash, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria advanced to the final of the qualifiers after a commanding extra-time display, overpowering Gabon with three late goals. Mouyouma, reflecting on the defeat, said his team competed well for large portions of the match but failed in decisive moments. “We were not good enough in the opposite box, and we didn’t defend well in our own box. Nigeria did both and scored,” Mouyouma explained.

“The game was decided by little margins, and the scoreline doesn’t reflect how well we competed against one of the best attacking teams in Africa.”

The match, which had remained tightly contested until the additional 30 minutes, saw Gabon struggle to contain Nigeria’s pace and precision, eventually conceding three goals in extra time. The result ends Gabon’s bid to reach next year’s intercontinental playoff stage in Mexico.

Despite the disappointment, Mouyouma maintains that the experience will serve his team well as they turn their attention to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). “We have learned our lessons and will take them into the AFCON. It is painful that our dream of qualifying for the continental playoff is over, but we will regroup,” he said.