“That hurt us” – Gernot Rohr blames Ademola Lookman’s first goal for Benin’s 3-0 loss to Nigeria’s Super Eagles

Benin Republic coach Gernot Rohr has shared his insights on the factors that led to his team’s heavy 3-0 defeat against Nigeria on the opening day of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Soccernet.ng reports.

Ademola Lookman netted twice, and Victor Osimhen added a spectacular third to give the Super Eagles a comfortable victory at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

The game was going according to plan for Rohr and his Cheetahs before Lookman took matters into his hands, danced past the Benin defence, and slotted home the opening goal right on the stroke of halftime.

The Franco-German coach expressed his frustration with the timing of Nigeria’s first goal, which came right at the end of the first half.

In his post-match analysis, Rohr pointed to this moment as a turning point that shifted the momentum in favour of the Nigerian side.

“When we were almost at half-time, that is, in added time, we conceded the first goal. It was something that boosted them and something that hurt us,” said the 71-year-old coach as per BeninWebTV.

“In the second half, we were forced to open up a little more. With the speed of their attackers—Lookman, Chukwueze, and also Boniface—there were spaces, so they took advantage of it.”

Rohr also admitted that Benin’s squad lacked the same level of quality as their Nigerian counterparts, many of whom play at the top level in Europe.

He said: “What did not work is that we do not have the same means as this Nigerian team…

“When you see the Nigerian squad, they are all very high-level players who play in their clubs. And unfortunately, we have players who do not play much in their clubs.”

Despite the defeat, Rohr remains hopeful about Benin’s chances in the qualification campaign.

“We want to finish at least in second place in this group. We want to go to the CAN,” he stated, as Benin prepares for their next challenge against Libya on Tuesday.