- Rohr said Benin Republic players are ready to “sacrifice everything” in the World Cup qualifier against Nigeria.
- The Cheetahs need only a draw to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Nigeria must win convincingly and hope South Africa drop points.
- Rohr, who coached Nigeria between 2016 and 2021, admitted facing Super Eagles stars like Osimhen, Lookman, Simon, and Iwobi will be tough.
- Despite missing key players Yohan Roche and Sessi d’Almeida due to suspension, Rohr insists his side can make history in Uyo.
Benin Republic coach and former Super Eagles boss, Gernot Rohr, has described Monday’s World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Benin Republic as a “life-defining moment” for his players, who are on the verge of reaching their first-ever FIFA World Cup.
The Cheetahs, who need only a draw to seal their qualification, arrived in Uyo on Saturday for what could be the biggest match in the nation’s football history.
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Speaking with U.K.-based journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Rohr said his team is highly motivated and determined to finish the job after their narrow 1-0 win over Rwanda in Kigali.
“It was a very difficult match. Rwanda really wanted to win, and we had to fight hard. But now, we have to do something even greater in Uyo,” Rohr said. “We’ve lost two key players due to yellow cards, but everything is still possible. The decision is in our hands.”
Rohr added that the team is driven by criticism from South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, who previously stated that Benin could not beat Rwanda and Nigeria. “Those comments made my players angry,” Rohr revealed. “Now they want to prove everyone wrong and make history.”
The German tactician, who led Nigeria between 2016 and 2021, said he knows the quality of the Super Eagles and has warned his players to be cautious of four key Nigerian stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Alex Iwobi.
“Facing players like Osimhen, Lookman, Simon, and Iwobi is another level,” Rohr said. “But the win against Rwanda has built confidence in our team.”
A victory for Benin would guarantee their spot at the 2026 World Cup, while a draw could also be enough depending on other results. However, Nigeria must win by at least two clear goals and hope South Africa fail to beat Rwanda to avoid missing their second straight World Cup.
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The Cheetahs will be without Yohan Roche and Sessi d’Almeida after both players picked up second yellow cards in their last match. Benin currently sits on 17 points, followed by South Africa with 15, and Nigeria with 14 heading into the final group game.
As Rohr put it, “We’ve come too far to stop now. This is our moment.
