Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma has revealed that he is working on a special tactical plan to contain Victor Osimhen ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff against Nigeria.

Mouyouma described the Galatasaray striker as an unpredictable and dangerous forward capable of changing the course of any game.

Osimhen, who featured in only five matches during the qualifying series due to fitness issues, remains Nigeria’s top attacking threat, having scored six goals.

Beyond his exploits for the Super Eagles, the forward has also been in scintillating form at club level, netting a hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League against Ajax Amsterdam on Wednesday to move top of the competition’s scoring chart.

Speaking during a press conference in Libreville on Thursday, Mouyouma admitted that Osimhen’s versatility makes him difficult to defend against.“We have to defend as we wouldn’t defend against just anyone. This type of player can be unpredictable, but he also loves playing in behind,” he said.

“Reducing the distances behind us is one way, but even if you solve this problem, he has another side to his game — set pieces and corners. That’s where the complexity lies.”

The Gabon coach added that his team would aim to press higher and keep Nigeria pinned in their own half.

“This Nigeria team could stay further back. We need to be able to take the match into the opponents’ half of the pitch. I think that’s the solution to the problem today,” Mouyouma added.