Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma has expressed deep frustration and disappointment following his team’s elimination by the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Panthers' hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to an emotional end as the team fell 4–1 to Nigeria in Rabat.
Despite forcing extra time through Mario Lemina’s last-gasp equaliser, Mouyouma’s men could not keep up with the Super Eagles’ intensity in the additional period, conceding three times as their campaign collapsed.
The defeat has left the Gabonese camp devastated, with senior figures such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mario Lemina, and Bruno Ecuele-Manga seeing what may have been their final opportunity to feature at a World Cup disappear.
What Mouyouma Said After the Defeat
Mouyouma acknowledged Nigeria’s superiority in the first half but maintained that the second period belonged to his side.
He believed Lemina’s 89th-minute equaliser should have given Gabon a psychological lift heading into extra time, yet individual errors proved costly as the Super Eagles took full advantage.
“We thought that goal would give us a slight psychological edge over the Nigerians. In the first half, we have to acknowledge our opponents' dominance, but I think the second half was in our favour, even though we conceded a goal during our best spell. But in extra time, we made more costly individual errors. And we gradually fell apart.” he told Afrik Foot.
Mouyouma Slams Referee’s Decision After VAR Controversy
The Gabon coach reserved his strongest criticism for the officiating, particularly a second-half incident at 0–0 when Bright Osayi-Samuel appeared to pull the shirt of Aaron Appidangoyé inside the penalty area.
Despite a lengthy six-minute VAR review, the referee refused to award a penalty.
Mouyouma added: “Of course! It was a penalty for us. I don't understand how the referee, after spending six minutes reviewing the footage, didn't call the foul by the Nigerian player. You can clearly see him pulling our player's shirt! It's incomprehensible. VAR is supposed to solve problems, but I also feel it can create them. This decision is deeply unfair, and we feel wronged. That penalty, if it had been awarded and, of course, converted, could have changed things. It's hard to accept, but what can you do?”
What Next for Gabon?
With their World Cup hopes halted, the Gabonese players will now return to their respective clubs to resume domestic duties.
The team will regroup later in the year to prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place from December to January.
Gabon have been drawn into a challenging AFCON group alongside Cameroon, Mozambique, and reigning champions Ivory Coast.
The Panthers will hope to recover quickly from their playoff heartbreak and channel their disappointment into a strong comeback at the AFCON.
