2026 World Cup qualifiers: Why we defeated Nigeria — Rohr

Cheetahs of Benin Republic coach, Gernot Rohr, has revealed the reasons his team beat highly-rated Super Eagles of Nigeria in the Match Day 4 qualifiers of the 2026 World Cup which was played at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Abidjan on Monday.

The Beniniose against all odds put a dent in Nigeria’s hope of qualifying for the World Cup with a surprise 2-1 win after Raphael Onyedika’s 39th-minute strike had put the three-time African champions ahead through Samuel Chukwueze’s assist. The host however rallied around to score two quick goals before the end of the first half and stopped George Finidi’s team from scoring the equaliser.

Speaking with a Nigerian reporter, Isiaka Adegboye in Abidjan after the game and which was monitored by Sporting Tribune, the Franco-German tactician said his players were well motivated going into the game saying the absence of key players such as Victor Osimhen, Simon Moses, Williams Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina also made the match much easier for his boys.

Rohr, who coached Nigeria between 2016 and 2021, added that he thought the Eagles had wrapped the game up when they scored through Onyedika’s powerful strike. He however added that the determination and the fighting spirit on the part of his players turned the tide against Nigeria coupled with the solid defence tactics they employed in the second half.

He said Nigeria has wonderful players which does not translate to a wonderful team. He stated that while his boys respect the Eagles because of their pedigree in African football, the fear factor which Nigeria is known for, he said, was not in the present team.

“But I think the moment for Nigeria was not a good one to play against us because we have a lot of motivation and our players didn’t play in their clubs all year long and Nigeria has players who are not here like Osimhen, Ekong, Simon Moses, Ola Aina, Jamilu Collins.

“And all these big players you’re speaking about like Ndidi who is back are wonderful players. But these wonderful players are not always a wonderful team together because in front of them was a well-organised team with a big fighting spirit, respectful but no fear and no confusion because we know them and we know that they can make mistakes and they did.

“They tried to come back but they couldn’t but we know that Nigeria is one of the best teams in Africa. Of course, this is Benin (Republic) first victory against Nigeria. In the history of the two countries, they never won against Nigeria. It’s the first time so it was a surprise because normally Nigeria is the favourite,” Rohr, who is still savouring the victory against his former side stated.