Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has sounded a warning for his side ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers Group D opener against the Super Eagles on Saturday.
The German, who is no stranger to the Nigerian national team, says his Benin players should be wary of facing a stronger Super Eagles side, different from the one they faced earlier in the year.
The last time both teams met in the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, the Cheetahs registered a famous 2-1 victory against Nigeria in Abidjan in June.
However, Rohr affirmed that the three-time African champions are no meager and will be looking to exert revenge on Benin.
He said: “Nigeria is not a conquered territory, far from it. We beat Nigeria three months ago, they will certainly have a spirit of revenge which can be important and that is normal.
“They did not have certain players who are there now: [William Troost] Ekong, the captain, [Victor] Osimhen, who will be there this time [as] he was not there last time, and behind also they have contributions, Ola Aina is there.
“It’s going to be a stronger team than the one we beat in June in Abidjan. We are wary. In addition, at home, they have the obligation to achieve a result now after a series of draws or even defeats.
“There has been another change of coach, so we will prepare well,” the 71-year-old told Benin Football.
Rohr, who managed the Super Eagles from 2016-2021, leading the team to a third-place finish at the 2019 AFCON, downplayed any advantage his close ties to the Nigerian team might afford him.
“Just because you know your opponents doesn’t mean it will be easy to beat them,” he said. “It’s going to be a difficult match, but we’re preparing well.”
The Cheetahs, drawn in Group D, are due to face the Super Eagles on Saturday, September 7, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, before hosting Libya at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny three days later.
