Gabon's national team is gearing up for a make-or-break encounter against Niger at the Ibn Batouta Stadium, fully aware that their chances of progressing to the knockout stage of the TotalEnergies CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 hinge on a victorious outcome.

After suffering a 3-1 defeat to Mali in their opening Group B match a few days ago, Coach Ibela Ignambi Saturnin understands that another loss would be catastrophic for his team's aspirations.

"Our upcoming match is a do-or-die situation for us. Having already lost the first match, we must work tirelessly to secure a victory," expressed Coach Ignambi, highlighting the high stakes involved.

Ignambi acknowledged the intricate nature of every match in the competition and stressed the need for his team to surpass their performance in the previous encounter. Recognizing Niger as a deserving contender in the tournament, Ignambi emphasized the importance of not underestimating their opponents in any way.

The Gabon coach drew attention to past tournaments where teams rebounded from opening match defeats and ultimately clinched championship titles, exemplifying Argentina's triumph in the FIFA World Cup last year.

When asked about the potential pressure on his players to secure a victory in the upcoming match, Ignambi acknowledged that pressure is an inherent part of football. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and adhering to the team's strategic approach.

Despite having received a red card in their previous match, Ignambi cautioned his players to exercise greater caution as they enter the crucial stages of the competition.

Recognizing the youthful nature of his squad, the coach acknowledged their eagerness to showcase their abilities while acknowledging the likelihood of mistakes. However, he remains committed to motivating and guiding them towards achieving positive results.