“Nigeria thought it was done” – Gernot Rohr questions Super Eagles’ mentality after helping Benin claim big win

Nigeria conceded twice in twelve minutes against Benin

Coach Gernot Rohr has questioned the mentality of the Super Eagles players after he led Benin to a 2-1 win over Nigeria on Monday, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles were looking to fully launch themselves into the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Monday, when they played Benin at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium in Ivory Coast. Nigeria had drawn their first three games, and the Benin fixture was the perfect fixture to get back on track.

However, the Super Eagles flattered to deceive, as despite scoring first, they fell apart and conceded twice in the space of twelve minutes. The team huffed and puffed, but Benin held on strong and got the win.

It was Benin’s first-ever win against Nigeria, and Gernot Rohr, who coached Nigeria between 2016 and 2021, was quite upbeat about the result.

Meanwhile, he was quite critical of the Super Eagles, as he felt their lapse in concentration gave Benin the advantage.

“We had the right organization, Nigeria scored the first goal, perhaps, they believed it was already done. But the reaction, the desire of my team was so strong that they could come back to win the match,” Rohr said, per Favour Itua.

Nigeria’s loss puts them in a tough situation, as they now sit fifth in Group C, four points behind Benin, who sit atop the group. If Finidi George does not start getting the results soon, Nigeria will miss a second consecutive World Cup.

This post was last modified on June 12, 2024 7:41 am

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.

Share
Published by
Kelvin Omachonu

Recent Posts

Operation get Osimhen at all cost: Chinese backers to join Galatasaray’s plans to outpace Arsenal, Chelsea

Galatasaray’s determination to retain Victor Osimhen beyond his loan spell has taken a dramatic turn,… Read More

7 hours ago

Defeat of Ghana a great year-end gift for Nigerian football

What a great way to end the year, beating your arch-enemy Ghana 3-1 on aggregate… Read More

8 hours ago

Uruguayan defender to force Onyemaechi into center-back role ahead of New-Year clash against Arouca

Boavista defender Bruno Onyemaechi is expected to shift from his usual left-wing position to center-back… Read More

8 hours ago

Watch: Galatasaray treat Victor Osimhen to cute welcome after Christmas holiday

Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray treated Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen to a cute welcome… Read More

9 hours ago

Premier League: Liverpool legend includes Ola Aina in team of the season after 19 games

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has named Super Eagles defender Ola Aina in his English Premier… Read More

10 hours ago