Benin head coach Gernot Rohr is targeting a second straight win over Nigeria as his side prepares to open their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign against the Super Eagles.
Benin will face Nigeria on September 7, marking the second time in the last three months that the two teams will be playing against each other, having also clashed in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June.
The last meeting between the two teams saw the Cheetahs come from a goal down to claim an important 2-1 victory over Nigeria, with goals from Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounie rendering Raphael Onyedika’s opener as a consolation.
Ahead of next month’s AFCON qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Rohr, who previously managed the Super Eagles, has laid down the gauntlet.
Gernot Rohr bemoans inactivity of Benin players ahead of Super Eagles clash
The German tactician said he relishes the opportunity to finally play in front of a crowd in Uyo but also admitted that he will be facing Nigeria with a weakened team as compared to the one that previously played against the Super Eagles.
He explained that although some of his players are currently inactive due to being out of contract at their clubs, he will present a formidable team for next month’s AFCON qualifier.
“In fact, I’m happy for Nigeria that they can play again there [in Uyo] because we could not play there for several reasons during my last two years with the Super Eagles,” Rohr told Nation Sport.
“So, I will be happy to see them there and we will have a fantastic game there despite the fact that some of our players are without clubs since they are out of contract and waiting for new contracts. Which is not the same scenario with Nigeria, but we will be ready to present a good team which should be able to make a good match in Uyo.”
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles are currently without a coach following the resignation of Finidi George.
