On Tuesday, Gabon national team lost at South Sudan (0-1), and they played without star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The 29-year-old Arsenal player had featured in a home game against the same opponent, won by Gabon 3-0 last week. However, he refused to fly to Juba with his team, preferring to return to London instead.

Aubameyang was not happy with the plane initially chosen for the trip by the national federation. "It doesn't guarantee all the necessary amenities for competitive athletes," he said.

In the end, Gabon's football bosses chartered another aircraft, but the team captain did not change his decision, slamming "amateurism" and "lack of professionalism" of the federation.