Gabon's star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian national team ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semifinal encounter scheduled for November.
Aubameyang's Impressive Club Form
The experienced forward continues to demonstrate exceptional form for Olympique de Marseille in the French Ligue 1, recently finding the net in their 3-0 victory against Brestois at the Stade Velodrome. This marked Marseille's sixth consecutive league win and Aubameyang's fourth goal of the season.
In the match against Brest, the Gabon captain sealed the victory in the 82nd minute by connecting perfectly with Matt O'Riley's cross from the right flank. This performance comes at a perfect time as he prepares to lead his national team against the Super Eagles.
World Cup Qualification Battle
The Panthers of Gabon secured their playoff position after finishing second in CAF qualification Group F with 25 points, trailing behind 2023 Africa Cup of Nations champions Ivory Coast. Nigeria similarly qualified as one of the best second-place finishers from their group.
The first semifinal playoff between Gabon and Nigeria is set for November 13 at Stade Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, Morocco. This will be followed by another semifinal clash between DR Congo and Cameroon. Only the winners from each tie will advance to the final three days later, competing to represent Africa in the intercontinental playoff round.
Gabon's Coaching Staff Confident
Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma has reinforced Aubameyang's warning message, stating that in modern football, the strongest team doesn't always emerge victorious. During a press conference in Libreville, Mouyouma emphasized that Nigeria failed to top their qualification group despite being considered a top team.
Aubameyang's World Cup qualifying campaign was particularly notable, having scored seven goals during the qualification phase. His standout performance came against Gambia, where he netted four goals before receiving a second yellow card and subsequent dismissal.
The former Chelsea and Barcelona forward, who made his international debut in 2009, now aims to make history by guiding Gabon to their first-ever World Cup appearance. Meanwhile, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle believes that success in the World Cup playoffs could provide crucial momentum ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
