Benin coach Gernot Rohr has expressed confidence despite being in the same group with Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers draw, Soccernet.ng reports.
On Thursday, the draws for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations were held. Nigeria was placed in pot 1 of the draws because of the placement on the FIFA ranking.
Eventually, Nigeria were placed against familiar foes. They were drawn in Group D of the qualifiers alongside Rwanda, Benin, and Lybia. The top two teams from each of the groups will qualify for the 2025 AFCON.
Following the draw, Benin coach Gernot Rohr, who was in charge of the Super Eagles between 2016 and 2021 has expressed confidence over his side's chances.
“It’s a difficult draw, because there’s Nigeria again. And we have Rwanda, an adversary that we know well and of whom we are wary. There is also Libya who have a good team, it will be a difficult trip there,” Rohr said.
“Another reunion with Nigeria. That's going to be three more games with them [including the upcoming second leg, counting for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers]. It’s a reunion against a very good team. But we gained confidence and we know we can beat them.”
“Yes, we have Nigeria and Rwanda in our group again. It's always a pleasure to meet my friends from Nigeria, many of whom I have coached. It's a good moment to see people you love.
“We managed to win in Abidjan, but we know they missed some key players like Osimhen.
“It will be very difficult to win the first match in Nigeria, but I hope we can at least finish second in this group.
“Benin didn't participate twice before I came here, but now we have to aim for the first or second position.
“Rwanda is a good team. Nigeria will see this again, as they play there. It's not so easy to play against these teams, but I hope for a good, fair game in Uyo and to see some friends
“I don't know if CAF made the draw to not go too far, but we have to take it as it comes. We will be happy to play against Nigeria again.”
The Super Eagles are the biggest team in their group, but Benin defeated them 2-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June. If the Cheetas can get something off Nigeria, then they stand a good chance of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON.
