Panthers of Gabon head coach, Thierry Mouyouma admitted that his side didn’t compete enough in their 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Mouyouma’s side were thrashed 4-1 by the Super Eagles in the semi-final fixture in Rabat on Thursday night.

The Super Eagles dominated the first half, creating chances Victor Osimhen and Jerome Adams Akor.

Gabon came back strongly after the break but couldn’t do enough to stop the Super Eagles from securing a place in the final.

Despite accepting Super Eagles’ superiority, he said the result didn’t reflect his side’s performance in the game.

“We were not good enough. We were not sharp enough in the offensive box, and we didn’t defend well in our defensive box. Nigeria did both and scored,” Mouyouma said after the game.

“The match was decided on fine margins. The scoreline doesn’t show how well we competed against one of the most dangerous attacking sides in Africa.”

2026 WCQ Playoffs: Gabon coach Mouyouma disappointed with defeat to Super Eagles