Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr is optimistic that his team is prepared to beat Nigeria’s Super Eagles as his team gears up for the start of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Cheetahs will face the Super Eagles on September 7 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, in what will be their second encounter in just three months.
In their previous meeting during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June, Benin secured a 2-1 comeback victory, with Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounie overturning Raphael Onyedika’s early strike for Nigeria.
That win has given Rohr’s side a psychological edge, but the coach acknowledges the challenges ahead.
Rohr, who previously managed the Super Eagles, admitted that his Benin squad will not be as strong as it was during their last encounter due to some players being out of contract and inactive.
However, the Franco-German tactician remains confident in presenting a competitive team for the crucial AFCON qualifier.
Speaking to newsmen, Rohr expressed his anticipation of playing in Uyo and praised the Super Eagles’ return to the venue. Despite the issues facing his squad, Rohr is determined to make the upcoming match a memorable one.
Rohr said: “We will be happy to play (Nigeria) in Uyo, which is really a fantastic stadium; one of the most beautiful stadia in Africa,” Rohr said.
“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.
“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.”
While Benin’s recent victory is a significant achievement, Nigeria still hold a dominant head-to-head record, with 13 wins, two draws, and only one loss against the Cheetahs.
As the Super Eagles look to regain their footing, they will be doing so without a substantive head coach, following Finidi George’s resignation.
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