Alain Traore Tips Gabon to Upset Nigeria in World Cup Playoffs

Former Burkina Faso international Alain Traore has said that Gabon should not be seen as underdogs ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff against Nigeria in Rabat, Morocco.

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations star believes the Panthers have what it takes to shock the Super Eagles when both teams meet on Thursday evening.

While Nigeria struggled through a challenging qualifying campaign, needing a late push to secure a playoff spot, Gabon narrowly missed out on automatic qualification despite finishing with the highest points among the non-qualifiers.

The Panthers will rely on a squad filled with experienced players, including former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Galatasaray midfielder Mario Lemina, and ex-Sunderland star Didier Ndong.

In contrast, Nigeria’s preparations have been disrupted by off-field issues, with reports of players boycotting a training session earlier in the week over unpaid bonuses.

Gabon, on the other hand, have been in camp since Monday, focusing on final preparations under coach Thierry Mouyouma.

Traore, who scored three goals at the 2013 AFCON, believes Gabon’s form and structure give them an advantage over Nigeria.

“Gabon has a better team and a better organisation, given what they demonstrated during the World Cup qualifying campaign. In terms of performance, Gabon is now a certainty,” Traore said.

“Apart from the last qualifying match against Benin, where Nigeria looked very dangerous, the Super Eagles weren’t impressive throughout the entire campaign. Gabon has a team that can compete with the top nations on the continent.”

Nigeria will be aiming to maintain their 36-year unbeaten record against Gabon when both sides clash for a place in the World Cup playoff final.