World Cup Playoffs: Gabon Coach Outlines Strategy To Stop Osimhen, Eagles Stars

World Cup Playoffs: Gabon Coach Outlines Strategy To Stop Osimhen, Lookman

Sampson Adedeji

Head coach of the Gabon national team, Thierry Mouyouma, has shared insights into his tactical approach for stopping Victor Osimhen and the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the upcoming World Cup playoffs, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Panthers are set to battle Nigeria in the first semi-final of the playoffs scheduled to take place in Morocco next week.

Speaking at a press conference, Mouyouma acknowledged the threat posed by the Nigerian attack, particularly Osimhen, and discussed how his team plans to counter it.

“We have to defend differently when facing a player like him. How do we actually defend against someone with his movement and unpredictability?” Mouyouma said.

“Osimhen loves to play in behind, so we must reduce the space behind our defence. But even when you manage that, he still remains dangerous with set pieces and corners.

“That’s the complexity of such a player it makes coaching exciting because we have to analyze, debate, and agree on a united defensive strategy.”

The Gabonese tactician also emphasized the importance of keeping the game in Nigeria’s half.

“This Nigeria team can sit deep and hit you on the counter. We must ensure we play more in their half that’s the key to controlling the game,” he added.