Rohr namechecks four 'big players' Super Eagles missed in 2026 World Cup qualifying loss to Benin 

Republic of Benin manager Gernot Rohr was on media duties in Uyo on Friday evening, on the eve of his side's 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Rohr has played down the chances of the Cheetahs recording a second consecutive win against the Super Eagles, noting that erstwhile coach Finidi George could not count on the services of some key players in June when they were beaten 2-1 in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match in Abidjan despite taking the lead. 

Raphael Onyedika, with his first international goal, opened the scoring in the 27th minute but Jodel Dossou equalized at minute 37, before Steve Mounié scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in first half stoppage time.

Yverdon Sport centre-back Mohamed Tijani, who bagged an assist in the win versus Nigeria, is ruled out of tomorrow's tie after picking up an ankle injury while on club duties.

Rohr pointed out that Saturday's encounter is a whole new ball game, with Augustine Eguavoen having his full roster at his disposal, unlike the World Cup qualifier where key players like Victor Osimhen, Ola Aina, Moses Simon, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru were not available.

"There is a very important game tomorrow. My job is now in Benin and we are ready to play the game. Unfortunately we miss one good player who is injured, Mohamed Tijani but we will replace him, the other guys are here," Rohr told reporters. 

"It's not the same situation because now Nigeria has a complete team, all the big players are here.

"We didn't see in June, Osimhen, Moses Simon, Ola Aina. They were not here, all these big players, and Dele-Bashiru also, so we could win the game.

"We know that it will not be the same here, it will be more difficult because we are away in Nigeria. All the players from Nigeria are playing regularly for their clubs which is not the case with my team.

"Some of my players are lacking game time at their clubs and the beginning of the season has not been easy for some of them.

"It means we are ready like a team with good spirit and we hope to see a good game in a full stadium tomorrow."

Fifteen of the players named in Nigeria's matchday squad against the Cheetahs in June were called up for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September 2024.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: Fédération Béninoise de Football

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