As the countdown continues to Thursday’s high-stakes World Cup play-off between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Gabon’s Panthers in Rabat, Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma has revealed plans to alter his tactics and coaching setup in preparation for the formidable Nigerian side.

Speaking to the Gabonese Press Agency, Mouyouma admitted that the quality and stature of Nigeria have compelled him to rethink his strategy and make adjustments in both his technical approach and backroom team.

“We will have to change things against Nigeria, especially on a tactical and even technical level,” the coach said.

Mouyouma, known for his preference for possession-based football, emphasized that controlling the rhythm of play will be crucial if his team is to have any chance against the more experienced and physically imposing Super Eagles.

“It is important that we control the emotion of our opponent,” he explained. “We must make them run after the ball and play behind their lines.”

Gabon will be banking on their youthful energy and tactical discipline to stand up to Nigeria’s star-studded lineup, which includes top European-based players.

The Panthers head into the fixture aware that a disciplined and inventive performance will be required to upset one of Africa’s football powerhouses — a challenge Mouyouma appears determined to meet with bold changes and renewed tactical focus.

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The Super Eagles’ camp in Rabat, Morocco, is beginning to buzz with activity as players arrive ahead of Thursday’s crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off clash against Gabon.

Early arrivals in camp include Fulham FC stars Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze, who were among the first to report for national duty.

Also already settled in are Wilfred Ndidi, recently named vice-captain of Turkish side Beşiktaş, Tolu Arokodare of Genk, and Olakunle Olusegun, who plies his trade with FC Krasnodar in Russia.

The team’s technical crew and backroom staff arrived earlier to make logistical and tactical preparations for the decisive encounter, ensuring a smooth start to the training sessions scheduled for Monday evening.

Nigeria will face Gabon on Thursday in the first of two semi-final fixtures in the CAF-organised World Cup play-off tournament.

The winner over two legs will progress to the Intercontinental Play-offs in March 2026 — the final hurdle toward qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Team officials say more players are expected in Rabat by Monday night, with full training expected to commence on Tuesday morning.

The Super Eagles will focus on fine-tuning their tactical shape, fitness, and set-piece routines under the supervision of head coach Eric Chelle, who has emphasized discipline, intensity, and unity in camp.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that all travel and camp arrangements have been finalised, with morale high among players and officials as the team seeks to secure an early advantage against a competitive Gabonese side.

The Super Eagles are expected to hold a closed-door session on Wednesday before Thursday’s play-off, which will be staged at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

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Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has expressed strong optimism and unity within the Nigerian camp as the team prepares for this week’s FIFA World Cup Play-offs in Morocco, where they will begin their quest to secure a ticket to the Intercontinental Play-offs slated for March 2026.

The team is expected to assemble in Rabat on Monday. Ndidi, recently appointed vice-captain of Turkish giants Beşiktaş, said the team is focused, confident, and ready to confront the challenge head-on as the journey to the next World Cup intensifies.

“The strength of the team lies in our pace and power in transition, creativity in wide areas, and a solid spine,” Ndidi told journalists. “We also have depth — players who can come in and change the game. When we’re connected and intense, we’re dangerous.”

While confident in Nigeria’s quality, the midfielder stressed that the players remain fully aware of the unpredictable nature of knockout football.

“With unity and discipline, we believe we can do it,” he said. “We respect every opponent. Play-offs come down to fine margins, not reputation. Our focus is on preparation — sharp training, good recovery, and executing the game plan. If we do that, our quality will shine through.”

The Leicester City alumnus, who has been one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers over the past decade, said the squad’s mindset is built on humility and professionalism.

“As a team, we want to qualify while staying respectful of the task,” Ndidi continued. “We’ll prepare well, give everything, and maintain our humility.”

Reflecting on lessons from the qualification journey so far, the Super Eagles vice-captain emphasized attention to detail and discipline as key takeaways.

“We’ve learned to respect the details — game management, set pieces, recovery, and discipline without the ball. Trusting the process, sticking to simple, clear roles, and keeping the team spirit high are key,” he explained.

Ndidi also acknowledged the psychological and physical challenges that accompany high-stakes fixtures.

“We must manage pressure, handle away environments, and stay focused for the full 90 minutes,” he said. “Fatigue is a factor with travel and tight schedules, so recovery and squad rotation are crucial.”

To the Super Eagles’ passionate global fanbase, Ndidi offered a message of assurance and commitment.

“Expect commitment, organization, and intensity,” he promised. “We want to be difficult to play against, control key moments, and show courage when it matters most. The promise we can make is effort and togetherness.”

Nigeria will face Gabon in Rabat in their first play-off fixture, as head coach Eric Chelle leads the Super Eagles into what is expected to be a fiercely contested route toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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