Gabon Coach Mouyouma Dismisses Osimhen’s World Cup Promise as “Empty Words” Ahead of Playoff Clash

Gabon’s head coach, Thierry Mouyouma, has played down Victor Osimhen’s vow to “give everything” to ensure Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that passion alone won’t win the upcoming playoff encounter between both nations, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

Osimhen, who has been in electric form for Galatasaray, has scored six goals in five qualifying matches, helping Nigeria secure 13 points from a possible 15. His absence in previous games saw the Super Eagles struggle, collecting just four points, a reflection of his influence on the team.

However, during a press conference monitored by All Nigeria Soccer, Mouyouma expressed skepticism over Osimhen’s rallying message, citing Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final loss as proof that promises don’t guarantee results.

“Words don’t win matches,” Mouyouma said. “We’ve heard such promises before. We remember the AFCON final; what mattered was what happened on the pitch.”

Aubameyang’s Example and Subtle Mind Games

The Gabon coach further drew a comparison between Osimhen and his captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, whom he praised for his dedication and leadership.

“Aubameyang stayed with us when he could have left. That is what I call leadership,” Mouyouma added, a statement many observers believe was aimed at psychologically unsettling Nigeria’s talisman.

The comments appear to be part of Mouyouma’s pre-match mind games, as he looks to deflect pressure from his side and place the spotlight on Nigeria’s star man.

Battle of the Goal Kings

The playoff showdown, which will determine who advances closer to the 2026 World Cup, promises a thrilling duel between two of Africa’s most prolific forwards, Osimhen, Nigeria’s second-highest all-time scorer with 29 goals, and Aubameyang, Gabon’s record marksman with 39 goals.

While Mouyouma’s remarks may have been intended to rattle the Super Eagles, Osimhen’s leadership, consistency, and big-game mentality remain crucial to Nigeria’s quest for a seventh World Cup appearance.

The first leg of the much-anticipated clash will take place in Morocco next week, with both teams eager to stake their claim for a spot on the global stage.