How Benin coach Rohr plans to stop Osimhen, others in Uyo
By Uzor Odigbo
Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has said his team is preparing for a different level of challenge when they face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Tuesday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo.
The Cheetahs defeated Rwanda 1–0 in Kigali on Friday thanks to a late Tosin Aiyegun strike, a result that kept their qualification hopes alive and left Group C wide open ahead of the final round.
“It was a very tactical match. A difficult match with very little football. But since it was so important, you can’t come here to put on a show,” Rohr told reporters after the game. “We were here to get a result.”
Next up for Rohr’s side is a return to familiar territory.
The 70-year-old German, who managed Nigeria between 2016 and 2021 and guided them to the 2018 World Cup, will be in the opposite dugout this time.
Benin boss Gernot Rohr names four Super Eagles stars his side must stop and reveals how he plans to handle Nigeria’s firepower in Uyo.
The former Eagles coach is hoping to qualify Benin republic for their first ever FIFA World Cup.
“Playing against Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi that’s another story,” Rohr said. “This result builds confidence.”
The coach admitted his players will need tactical discipline and concentration to cope with Nigeria’s attacking quality, adding that victory in Kigali has boosted Benin’s belief heading into Uyo.
Nigeria’s preparations, however, suffered a blow after Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman was ruled out through suspension.
The forward, who picked up a second yellow card during the 2–1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane, will miss Tuesday’s encounter.
Despite his absence, goals from William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams earned Nigeria all three points , a result that keeps them in contention for qualification.
Heading into the final group matches, Benin top Group C with 17 points, followed by South Africa on 15 and Nigeria on 14.
To qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria must defeat Benin by at least two clear goals and hope South Africa fail to beat Rwanda. Anything less will see the Super Eagles miss out on back-to-back tournaments, having been absent from Qatar 2022.
