After a goalless first half in Rabat, the Super Eagles took the lead courtesy of Akor Adams, but the Panthers responded impressively, drawing level through Mario Lemina.
However, they were blown apart at extra-time with Victor Osimhen bagging a brace while super-sub Chidera Ejuke added the fourth.
The defeat to the three-time African kings marked Gabon’s first defeat in seven matches, seeing their World Cup ambitions vanish into thin air, while Eric Chelle’s side must now defeat Congo DR to pick the lone ticket to the intercontinental playoffs.
Mouyouma appeared visibly upset at full-time, and the tactician reflected on his team’s performance.
“I think the first thing, the difference was made by the bench. Secondly, we were not good in our quality,” he said.
“Our main quality is the passing, so if you cannot keep the ball, you cannot make it, especially against a team like Nigeria.
“We were just running behind them, we were losing concentration and losing a lot of energy. So, before we conceded the goal, it was too different in the same match.
“In the first half, we were compact and we didn't want Nigeria to play between us, trying to find the space and whatever. In the second half, we tried to put the game on the other side so we were in control.
"What I noticed against Nigeria, we conceded the goals when we were in control. We knew we were more dangerous when we had the ball, and you saw it. I think two minutes before the game ended (in the first 90 minutes), we had the ball in a hard position. We lost it, we lost control and that was very difficult for us.”
Despite the result, Mouyouma drew positives from the performance, saying it would aid their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which Morocco will host in December.
“I think the game (against Nigeria) as well has given us a better knowledge of what we are supposed to do and change before the AFCON. It's so important,” he continued.
“Against Nigeria, we wanted to add more pace because we noticed the full deck was a bit tight. So we looked to bring in a player who could offer space, variety, and that extra spark.
“Unfortunately, we lacked power which is why we made the substitution to introduce someone who could provide that strength.
“The difference in the game ultimately came down to power. We have a lot of work to do, and that responsibility falls on me.”
Gabon will take on reigning African champions Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Mozambique in Group F when the continental showpiece kicks off in December. Their opening match is scheduled for December 24 against the Indomitable Lions at the Adrar Stadium in Agadir.
