'It's not a war' - Cheetahs coach Rohr reminds Super Eagles and fans of fair play ahead of WCQ

Benin's Cheetahs manager Gernot Rohr has urged his players to stay composed and enjoy the occasion on Tuesday evening when they face Nigeria in a decisive World Cup qualifier, emphasising that football should unite rather than divide.

The Cheetahs sit at the summit of Group C with 17 points, and have their destiny in their own hands, no matter what happens in the South Africa versus Rwanda clash.

Rohr's side must defeat Nigeria away to secure World Cup qualification, a feat the Cheetahs have never accomplished in their history.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Rohr expressed optimism about the challenge ahead.

"We go for a win but we know that we have to be patient and we know that Nigeria has only a chance if they win, so I believe it will be a very open match," Rohr told reporters.

Having sealed Afcon qualification on the road against Libya, Rohr believes that experience could serve Benin well when they meet Nigeria in Uyo.

"When you see that we played all the matches away, not one match at home.

"We are used to playing away and to have some finals. We had it also in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

"We also had the last game very difficult in Libya under very special circumstances. Nigeria saw how it is there, and we qualified there in a very bad atmosphere."

Rohr also pointed out what he described as an imbalance in fixtures that favoured South Africa.

"My team is ready, they made good progress, worked hard, and when you see that South Africa from the ten games played seven games at home, only two games away in Rwanda and Nigeria. Against us, it was in Ivory Coast.

"So it was a big advantage for South Africa, it's not equal. That’s why I think we are here now and we should enjoy this game, not only to have stress and think of the result but to be happy to be here and to play a good football game, in a good spirit."

The experienced tactician, who was in the Super Eagles dugout at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, reminded both teams of the spirit of the sport.

"It's not a war, it's a football game. Whatever will be the result, we will leave here and we will stay friends.

"Now the moment for us is to be ready, to be relaxed and to have a good game tomorrow.

"We have suspended players, two other players, now we miss five players because we already had two injured players.

"So it's not easy, we don’t have the same number of high-level players like you have here. But the team spirit is so good and the collective is strong, that we still can hope."

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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