Gabon coach Thierry Mouyouma has taken a bold step toward rejuvenating the national team, calling up nine players aged 23 and under for the Panthers’ crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off against Nigeria in Rabat, Morocco.

The youthful inclusion underlines Mouyouma’s long-term vision of building a new generation capable of taking over from the country’s golden veterans, many of whom are approaching the twilight of their international careers.

Since taking charge in October 2023, Mouyouma has made it clear that one of his primary missions is to blend experience with youth — and his latest selection shows that process is accelerating.

Among the newcomers are Jonathan Do Marcolino and Loyce Openda, two promising talents representing the Gabonese diaspora. They join a growing list of young prospects such as Lukas Mounguenou, Bryan Meyo, and Teddy Andami Averlant, all unearthed through Mouyouma’s extensive scouting work in Europe.

The recruitment drive, carried out in partnership with Dieudonné Londo, the Panthers’ general manager, and Fabrice Do Marcolino, the European referent, has begun to reshape the team’s dynamics — infusing fresh energy and intensifying competition for starting spots.

“The integration of these young players is part of a long-term plan,” a Gabon FA insider explained. “Coach Mouyouma wants to ensure continuity and competitiveness as the older players gradually transition out.”

That transition, however, will not be immediate. Gabon still relies heavily on experienced stars like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mario Lemina, Didier Ndong, Guelor Kanga, and Denis Bouanga, many of whom could call time on their international careers after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The internal competition is already producing results. Jacques Ekomie, for example, has displaced long-time left-back Johan Obiang, while Michel Mboula, Mick Kila Onfia, and Roddy Effaghe have impressed during recent AFCON and World Cup qualifying campaigns.

For Mouyouma, this is not just about rebuilding — it’s about renewal with purpose. As Gabon prepares to face Nigeria in the high-stakes play-off, the Panthers’ evolving mix of youth and experience could mark the dawn of a new chapter in Gabonese football.

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Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, prolific striker Victor Osimhen, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali headline Nigeria’s 24-man squad named by head coach Eric Chelle for next week’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African Play-off Tournament in Rabat, Morocco.

Also listed are dependable defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, alongside midfield stalwarts Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Frank Onyeka, as well as attacking wingers Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman.

Nigeria will face Gabon in the first semi-final at the 22,000-capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat, while Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo square off in the other semi-final at the El-Barid Stadium, which seats 18,000 fans.

Chelle, who is leading Nigeria to his first major tournament since his appointment, has also recalled Maduka Okoye, the Italy-based goalkeeper, and Chidera Ejuke, who plies his trade with Sevilla in Spain. Midfielder Raphael Onyedika and forwards Tolu Arokodare, Jerome Akor Adams, and Olusegun Olakunle also make the roster.

However, defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi will miss the semi-final tie against Gabon due to a one-match suspension after accumulating two yellow cards during the qualifying campaign.

The Super Eagles are expected to arrive in Morocco from their various clubs across Europe and elsewhere on Monday, November 10, to commence preparations for the high-stakes encounter.

Nigeria’s 24-Man Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup African Play-off Tournament

Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania); Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy)

Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)

Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium)

Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)

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The controversy surrounding the appointment of match officials for next week’s Nigeria–Gabon FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off appears to have deepened, as respected Nigerian-British journalist Osasu Obayiuwana revealed that South African referee Abongile Tom may no longer officiate the crucial fixture.

Obayiuwana, a long-standing African football correspondent and governance analyst, disclosed details of a private exchange on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday evening, citing an informed contact within the Confederation of African Football (CAF) system.

In the conversation, his source reportedly confirmed that referee Abongile Tom, who had been originally designated to handle the match scheduled for Thursday, November 14 in Rabat, Morocco, “will not officiate Nigeria vs Gabon and will be replaced soon.”

“Really? Who told you this? And who will replace him?” Obayiuwana asked in the exchange.

His contact replied: “I don’t know the replacement, but it was a very controversial decision to appoint him for this game. There has been a lot of pressure from all corners…”

The source further revealed that CAF’s initial referee allocation process for the play-off series was based on regional representation rather than strict merit or performance ranking — a move that has drawn widespread criticism.

“For the Nigeria vs Gabon match, it was allocated to a referee from @COSAFAMEDIA (Southern Africa), and the Cameroon vs Congo game to a referee from @Cecafaonline (East Africa), with the final match being allocated to a referee from North Africa,” the contact explained.

“Instead of giving the matches to the best referees on the continent, referees were appointed on a regional basis. This is wrong and responsible for the current situation.”

The revelation follows growing disquiet in Nigeria after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged a formal protest to FIFA and CAF earlier this week over what it described as “questionable and regionally biased” referee appointments.

The NFF’s protest particularly objected to the choice of South African officials — citing potential conflict of interest, given the long-standing football rivalry and geopolitical tensions between Nigeria and South Africa within CAF’s decision-making structures.

As of Friday morning, CAF had yet to issue an official statement on the reported change of officials or to confirm who will now take charge of the Nigeria–Gabon fixture, which will determine one of Africa’s final qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With the stakes high and questions swirling over transparency in referee appointments, CAF’s handling of the situation is likely to come under renewed scrutiny — both from national federations and from the global football community.

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