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Tag: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

  • Government suspends Gabon team, bans Aubameyang

    Government suspends Gabon team, bans Aubameyang

    Gabon’s government has suspended the national team, banned striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and sacked coach Thierry Mouyouma after their exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.

    Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula announced the measures after the 3-2 defeat by Cote d’Ivoire  on 31 December.

    Gabon finished bottom of their group in Morocco after earlier losses to Cameroon and Mozambique, performances Mamboula described as “disgraceful”.

    He said: “Given the Panthers’ disgraceful performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has decided to dissolve the coaching staff, suspend the national team until further notice, and exclude players Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.”

    Read Also: 16th Round: Super Eagles to face Mambas of Mozambique

    Gabon, whose exit from the tournament was confirmed before the Cote d’Ivoire  game, let slip a two-goal lead in Marrakech.

    Former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Aubameyang did not play in the final group game after returning to Marseille for treatment on a thigh injury.

    He said: “I think the team’s problems are much deeper than the individual I am.”

    Mouyouma was in charge for a little over two years.

    It used to be common for African governments to disband national teams after disappointing results, but it has happened less often since FIFA became stricter about government interference.

  • Morocco 2025: Injured Aubameyang to miss Gabon’s opener

    Morocco 2025: Injured Aubameyang to miss Gabon’s opener

    Veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will miss Gabon’s opening match at the Africa Cup of Nations next week but is expected to recover from a thigh injury for their next two Group F games at the tournament in Morocco.

    The 36-year-old Aubameyang, long his country’s talisman, was forced off with an injury as Olympique de Marseille beat AS Monaco in Ligue 1 on Sunday, and the Gabonese Football Federation said he was staying in France for treatment before joining up with the squad.

    Read Also: Discovery Cup: Ojodu City clinches victory as tournament uncovers Nigerian talents for European football

     “Olympique de Marseille’s medical staff requested that Aubameyang receive medical treatment in Marseille after consulting with the national team’s medical staff,” said a federation statement.

    “The player is unavailable for the December 24 match against Cameroon. Depending on his clinical and imaging progress, participation in the December 28 match against Mozambique is possible.” Both games are to be played in Agadir.

    Gabon, who play defending champions Ivory Coast on December 31 in Marrakech, are also likely to have to make a change in defence with Metz centre back Michel Mboula doubtful for the tournament due to a thigh injury.

  • W’ Cup Play-Offs: Aubameyang fires Eagles warning as Gabon’s coach optimistic

    W’ Cup Play-Offs: Aubameyang fires Eagles warning as Gabon’s coach optimistic

    By Olamilekan Israel.

    Former Arsenal striker and Gabon captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has sent a strong warning to Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup playoff clash, as his national team coach, Thierry Mouyouma, remains confident about the Panthers’  chances of reaching the final qualification stage.

    The Super Eagles will face the Panthers of Gabon on November 13 at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, in the semi-final stage of the African playoff series. The winner will advance to the final round to face either Cameroon or Congo DR for a spot in the FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada in 2026.

    Aubameyang, who continues to shine in France’s Ligue 1, was on the score sheet for Olympique Marseille in their 3-0 win over Brest on Saturday, firing a warning shot to Nigeria with his current form. The 34-year old late goal sealed victory for Marseille, who reclaimed top spot in the league.

    Speaking after the match, Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi hailed Aubameyang’s performance, saying: “We played a very good match today. There’s no reason right now for any of our players to be worried. Aubameyang is leading by example and showing courage and confidence.

    The in-form forward is expected to play a key role for Gabon in Rabat as the Panthers aim to upset Nigeria, who recently impressed with their collective performance against Benin.

    Meanwhile, Gabon’s head coach Thierry Mouyouma has defended his controversial decision to include suspended defender Mick Onfia in his 26-man squad for the Nigeria clash, describing it as a strategic move.

     “Regarding Mick, yes, he is suspended due to two yellow cards,” Mouyouma explained in a press briefing on Thursday.

    Read Also: W’Cup 2026: Toro hails NFF, stakeholders for Super Eagles’   playoff spot

     “But if you look closely, we are playing a semi-final against Nigeria, and if we qualify, we have a final to play. We have not lost our mind that’s just what we did.”

    Analysts believe Mouyouma’s confidence and Aubameyang’s fine form could make Gabon a difficult opponent for Nigeria, especially as several key players from Gabon’s golden generation including Ecuele Manga, who captained the team during the 2012 AFCON remain active and influential in the squad.

    However, Nigeria’s depth and experience remain a major threat. The Super Eagles boast one of the strongest squads in Africa, and many observers believe that if they maintain their recent teamwork and discipline, they can overcome Gabon and progress to the final playoff round.

    The Panthers, who reached the quarterfinals of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, are now seeking to make their first-ever World Cup appearance a dream Aubameyang says is “still alive.”

    With both teams showing ambition and confidence, all eyes will be on Rabat on November 13, as the clash between Nigeria and Gabon promises to deliver high drama and be one of Africa’s most anticipated routes to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

  • W’Cup Play-Offs: Aubameyang, 26 others for Super Eagles’ showdown

    W’Cup Play-Offs: Aubameyang, 26 others for Super Eagles’ showdown

    Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma has unveiled a 27-man squad for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash against Nigeria’s Super Eagles, scheduled for November 13 in Rabat, Morocco.

    Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang headlines the list, joined by seasoned internationals Denis Bouanga, Mario Lemina, Bruno Ecuele Manga, and Guélor Kanga. Rising midfielder Noha Lemina, son of Mario Lemina, also earns a call-up following impressive performances for Yverdon Sport in Switzerland.

    Read Also: Iheanacho’s Celtic hammered 3-1 by Midtjylland

    The Panthers will rely on their blend of experience and youth as they bid to overcome Nigeria and move a step closer to their first-ever World Cup appearance.

    The winner of the Nigeria–Gabon showdown will face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the next phase of the African playoffs on November 16th .

  • Gabon’s Aubameyang dents Kenya’s  World Cup dream

    Gabon’s Aubameyang dents Kenya’s  World Cup dream

    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice as Gabon claimed a 2-1 win over Kenya in their 2026 World Cup qualifier in Nairobi on Sunday to move two points clear of Ivory Coast in the race for a place at the finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

    Gabon, who have never qualified for the World Cup, move to 15 points from their six games in Group F, while the Ivorians have 13 points from five matches and are next in action at home to Gambia today.

    The top team in each of the nine groups earns a place at the finals, while the four best runners-up enter an arduous inter-continental playoff campaign for one further berth.

    Read Also: Abbas to turn sod  on NFF’s hostel, training pitches

    Aubameyang, 35, netted his first goal with a fine finish from 15 metres that burst through the goalkeeper’s hands, before he added a second from the penalty spot following a handball in the box.

    Kenya are now likely out of the running with six points from six matches. They pulled back a goal through Michael Olunga but new coach Benni McCarthy has managed a single point from his first two games in charge.

    In the only other fixture on Sunday, minnows Eswatini and Mauritius played to a 3-3 draw in neutral South Africa. Neither are realistically in the running for a World Cup place.

  • Aubameyang overcomes Nations cup miss acquires a Lamborghini

     

    Swallows of Burundi achieved something; at least they are no more new comers to the Nations cup after making a debut in Egypt.

    They played three group matches, lost all to Nigeria, Guinea and Madagascar respectively, conceding four goals and scoring none.

    They had also kissed the headlines after edging out Gabon to pick a ticket for Egypt 2019.

    Pierre-Emerick  Aubameyang’s Gabon needed a win in  the final match in Bujumbura but that was not to be as they were held to a 1-1 draw by the

    Swallows thus putting paid to Panthers dream of making the list in Egypt.

    Would the Panthers have done better than the Swallows against the same opponents if they had picked the ticket? Well that is no longer necessary, and for Arsenal forward and Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missing the Nations cup may have been painful but life must go on.

    The £200,000 per-week Gunners forward has added a customised £240,000 Lamborghini Huracan to his incredible car collection now worth £2.1MILLION.

    The 30 year old African Footballer of the year showed off his new psychedelic-looking motor, which also has a red soft top, by posting a video on his Instagram story.

    The former Borussia Dortmund star earns a £198,000-a-week salary at Arsenal, meaning it would only take him two weeks to pay for his new Lamborghini.

    Aubameyang, who netted 31 times in all competitions last season for Arsenal, is expected to return to training soon as Unai Emery prepares to get their pre-season underway.

    AUBAMEYANG’S SUPERCARS

    Lamborghini Huracan Performante Spyder – £240,000

    Porsche Panamera Turbo Techart – £140,000

    Lamborghini Aventador – £270,000

    Ferrari 812 Superfast – £250,000

    Range Rover Sport Mansory – £150,000

    Audi R8 V10 Plus – £128,000

    Aston Martin DB9 Volante 2 – £140,000

    Ferrari 488 Spider – £205,000

    Porsche Panamera Mansory C One – £113,000

    Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet – £22,000

    Porsche Cayenne Techart Magnum – £60,000

    Ferrari 458 Italia – £200,000

    Audi R8 2013 – £128,000

    Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 – £141,000

  • Aubameyang: Chinese clubs dangle £80million before Arsenal

     

    Gabon international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may have failed in his bid to qualify The Panthers for the forthcoming Nations cup in Egypt, but the Arsenal striker is on the verge of a mouthwatering move to China.

    Reports emerged on Tuesday that Chinese clubs are keen to sign him and are willing to pay big money to do so.

    With a £300,000 per week deal on the table in a transfer potentially worth £80million, Arsenal may have a battle on their hands to keep hold of their star striker. The money bag on the table is already causing division among Arsenal fans while club management is yet to comment or take a decision on the matter

    Arsenal fans have taken to Twitter urging the club to take the deal, and invest the money elsewhere in the team.

    ’80 mill for a 30 year old? Why not?’ Asked on Arsenal fan, while another was much more blunt, saying: ‘Sell. Must raise funds. We have Laca.’

    Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette proved to be quite a potent strike force for Arsenal last season, despite some woes elsewhere in the team.

    Aubameyang scored 22 league goals, sharing the Golden Boot along with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Lacazette added 13 to Arsenal’s total.

    ‘Bite their hand off I say,’ said another Twitter user, with others calling for Arsenal to up the price even more to £90million and ‘spend it all on defence.’

    Aubameyang has been a long-term target for teams in China and the fact Arsenal missed out on the Champions League means they believe he could be tempted to leave the Emirates Stadium.

    Now Guangzhou Evergrande and Shanghai SIPG have gone back in for Aubameyang, who has been approached over transfers to China twice before.

    Guangzhou attempted to sign him in a £62million switch just weeks before he moved to Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund back in January 2018.

    Tianjin Quanjian had agreed a £71m move for the Gabonese striker six months prior, but the move fell to pieces after the transfer window closed.

  • Europa League: My goal will be important – Aubameyang

    Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is hopeful that his goal against Valencia would be ‘important’ in their quest to win the Europa League.

    On Thursday, Unai Emery’s men weathered the storm to secure a 3-1 victory over their Spanish visitors in the first leg of their semi-final clash at the Emirates.

    Mouctar Diakhaby handed the Spanish side an early lead but the Gunners fought back with Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette scoring.

    Lacazette put the Gunners ahead before Aubameyang handed the hosts a solid first leg advantage with his late effort.

    “Yeah, I think that goal will hopefully be important,” Aubameyang told BT Sport.

    Read Also: Aubameyang brace gives Arsenal win over Burnley

    “We started the game not so good, but we had a good reaction after that and I think today we played very well to win this game.

    “We started the game a bit nervous because we lost the last three games, and that’s normal because we’re human, but after that we had a good reaction.

    “We have a lot quality in this group and we can get to the final, but we know the next game will be difficult. If we do the same ingredients there, we will go through.

    “I think it’s our target to reach the final and win this trophy because we know it’s an opportunity to qualify for next year’s Champions League. Last year we stopped at the semi-finals and I think now we have learnt a lot from last year’s errors and hopefully this year we will not do the same.”

    The goal was Aubameyang’s 25th of the season and before they travel to Spainfor the reverse fixture of the Europa League semi-final, he will hope to help Arsenal secure a crucial victory against Brighton and Hove Albion in their penultimate Premier League game of the season on Sunday.

     

    Goal.Com

  • EPL: Freakish goal gives Arsenal 1-0 win at 10-man Watford

    Arsenal boosted their hopes of a top-four finish in the English Premier League after a bizarre 10th-minute goal by striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gave them a 1-0 win at 10-man Watford on Monday.

    The result lifted the Gunners two places up to fourth on 66 points from 33 games, ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea on goal difference and two points in front of sixth-placed Manchester United.

    Watford stayed 10th with 46 points.

    The fast-paced clash took a decisive turn in a frantic one-minute spell early on, as Aubameyang found the back of the net in unlikely fashion.

    And then Watford striker Troy Deeney was shown a straight red card for elbowing Lucas Torreira.

    The home side’s goalkeeper Ben Foster dwelled on Daryl Janmaat’s back pass for too long, allowing Aubameyang to close him down and block his attempted goalmouth clearance.

    The ball agonisingly ricocheted into the back of the net.

    Despite their numerical disadvantage, Watford kept pressing and missed a string of chances to draw level.
    They were twice denied by the woodwork as well as by some good saves from Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno.

    Aubameyang, Alex Iwobi, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan also came close at the other end,but Arsenal were forced to hang on in the closing stages with Watford throwing men forward. (Reuters/NAN)

    KIA/YEE

  • Aubameyang fails to turn the table as Swallows hit Egypt in Style

     

    It was a mission impossible for Gabon Saturday as they failed in their bid to stop Burundi from making appearance at the African Nations cup.

    The 2017 Nations cup hosts who were boosted by their international and Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put in everything they could into the match but the ticket appeared to have been sealed by Burundi before Saturday ‘s match as they held on to their second position finish behind group leaders Mali.

    It will be Burundi’s first time at the Nations cup and they Burundians are not leaving out anything in the celebration.

    Ranked 138th in the world, Burundi featuring Stoke City’s Saido Berahino thus became the third team set to make their debut at an expanded African Cup in Egypt in June and July. Madagascar and Mauritania had already booked their places.

    Burundi’s draw at a packed Prince Louis Rwagasore Stadium on Saturday looked more like victory but for Gabon it put paid to missing the Nations cup.

    After starting cautiously, Burundi led through Cedric Amissi’s goal in the 76th minute. Omar Ngando’s own-goal with eight minutes to go gave Burundi a nervous finish. Victory for Gabon would have seen them qualify instead.

    Burundi held on to clinch the second qualifying place in the group behind Mali and make history for a country that has been trying to reach Africa’s top tournament since 1976.

    And after Burundi guaranteed that they will be among those 24 nations, Berahino took to Instagram to document the celebrations in Bujumbura.

    Berahino shared footage from inside a vehicle as it drove slowly through a busy street full of joyous supporters.

    He captioned the video with the message: ‘Small but big hearts. Remember the name BURUNDI’.