Nigeria skipper William Troost-Ekong has warned his teammates against taking Gabon lightly as the Super Eagles gear up for a tense 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash. The defender highlighted the quality of the Panthers, singling out veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a player capable of turning games on their head.
After narrowly missing out on automatic qualification, Nigeria now find themselves in a do-or-die playoff phase to keep their World Cup dream alive. The first encounter against Gabon will be staged on November 13 at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat, with Cameroon and DR Congo squaring off in the other fixture. Victors from both ties will battle on November 16 for a spot in the intercontinental playoffs that lead to the final tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Nigeria vs Gabon Prediction and Betting Tips: Super Eagles must win World Cup qualifier
Speaking to Olympics.com, Troost-Ekong underlined the need for composure and concentration against a side he believes is far stronger than many assume.
“Gabon is a strong team. Aubameyang continues to lead from the front, causing problems for defenders. I’ve played against him in Saudi Arabia, and I know what he brings,” Troost-Ekong said. “In Africa, you can’t underestimate any team, and we certainly won’t do that with Gabon.”
However, Nigeria’s preparations have hit a stumbling block. On Tuesday, players and officials reportedly refused to train in protest over unpaid bonuses, casting a shadow over the team’s buildup to the crucial encounter.
Insiders reveal that the stand-off stems from long-standing financial grievances, with players demanding firm assurances from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) before returning to the pitch. As it stands, the squad’s training schedule remains uncertain, a worrying development just days before such a vital fixture.
Nigeria camp in turmoil as players protest over unpaid bonuses
The NFF has acknowledged the ongoing dispute, but is yet to announce a clear resolution timeline. Still, there’s quiet optimism within camp that the matter will be settled promptly, allowing the Super Eagles to shift their attention back to the task at hand, punching their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
