Rohr Speaks Out: Why Benin Crumbled Before Super Eagles’ Firepower

Former Super Eagles coach and current Benin Republic manager, Gernot Rohr, has explained that Nigeria’s superior quality and squad depth were the key factors behind his team’s 4-0 defeat in Uyo during Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Cheetahs were completely outplayed as Victor Osimhen netted a hat-trick and Frank Onyeka added another to hand Nigeria a dominant victory — a result that ended Benin’s hopes of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in their history.

Speaking to reporters after the match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Rohr admitted that his team never recovered after conceding an early goal and struggled due to the absence of several key players.

“They scored in the third minute — I don’t know if it was offside or not — but we had to rebuild our defence because of yellow card suspensions,” Rohr said.

“We’re disappointed because our dream of qualifying for the World Cup is over. We really wanted to take Benin there for the first time, but winning in Nigeria, especially when they’re fighting for qualification too, is very difficult. We also missed two suspended players and three others injured from the September games.

“We don’t have many players at the top level — some of them play in France’s fifth division — but I’m proud of my team. They worked hard throughout the qualifiers, and we had hope until the very last game. This is a young team still learning.”

Rohr, who previously coached Nigeria, also praised Victor Osimhen, describing him as one of the best strikers in the world and recalling how he handed the forward his first international call-up at just 17 years old.

“We tried our best, but when you have a player like Osimhen, it’s very difficult,” Rohr said.

“I remember inviting him to the national team when he was 17, during our first game against Tanzania. I’m proud to see how far he’s come, even though I’m not happy he did it against me. Still, I hope he continues to shine for Nigeria — a country I still love.”