Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma says his team is working on a unique tactical setup aimed at neutralizing Nigeria’s in-form striker, Victor Osimhen, in their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff.
The coach admitted that dealing with the Galatasaray forward will require more than ordinary defending, describing Osimhen as “a striker you can’t predict.”
Despite missing several qualifying matches through injury, Osimhen remains Nigeria’s top performer in the campaign, scoring six goals in just five appearances to keep the Super Eagles’ World Cup dream alive.
His club form has been equally impressive ; the 26-year-old netted a hat-trick against Ajax in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, taking him to the top of the competition’s scorers’ chart.
Speaking at his pre-match press briefing, Mouyouma revealed the depth of preparation going into the tie.
“You can’t defend against Osimhen the way you defend against others,” he said. “He thrives on space and movement behind the defence. We must be very careful about our positioning.”
The coach added that his team is exploring various strategies to keep Osimhen quiet, including minimizing gaps and handling set-piece situations better.
“Even if you close down space, he’s still dangerous from corners and dead balls. That’s what makes him a complete striker,” Mouyouma explained.
“Our job as coaches is to analyze, debate, and agree on the best defensive plan. We’ll also try to push the game higher up the field — that could be our best chance to control Nigeria.”
Mouyouma’s tactical insight sets the stage for a tense encounter as Gabon looks to halt Osimhen’s blistering form and secure a vital result against the Super Eagles.
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