World Cup Playoffs: Gabon Coach Invites Ineligible Player For Super Eagles Clash

World Cup Playoffs: Gabon Coach Invites Ineligible Player For Super Eagles Clash

Sampson Adedeji

Gabon’s head coach, Thierry Mouyouma, has stirred controversy by including Mick Onfia in his squad for the crucial World Cup playoff clash against Nigeria, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

Onfia, who plays for Hafia FC, is ineligible for the first leg of the encounter scheduled for November 13 at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, after receiving his second yellow card during Gabon’s final group-stage game against Burundi last month.

The Panthers defeated the Swallows 2–0 to finish as the best runners-up across the nine qualification groups, setting up a playoff meeting with the Super Eagles.

Eyebrows were raised when Mouyouma named the 24-year-old centre-back in his 26-man squad.

However, the coach justified his decision, describing it as a calculated move. “Regarding Mick, yes, he is suspended due to two yellow cards,” Mouyouma clarified during a press conference on Thursday.

“But we are playing a semi-final against Nigeria, and if we qualify, there’s a final ahead. We haven’t lost our minds it’s a strategic decision.”

Onfia has become an integral part of Gabon’s setup, featuring in their last four group-stage matches after making his debut against Niger in a friendly on June 6. Mouyouma’s continued faith in him underlines his growing importance to the team despite his suspension for the first leg.