Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr says his side is ready for a different level of challenge when they face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in their decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash in Uyo next week, Soccernet.ng reports.
Rohr’s Cheetahs edged Rwanda 1–0 in Kigali on Friday thanks to a late Tosin Aiyegun strike, keeping alive their dream of reaching the global tournament.
The result left Group C wide open, with Benin, South Africa, and Nigeria still capable of qualifying for the finals in North America.
“It was a very tactical match. A difficult match with very little football. But since it was so important, you can’t come here to put on a show. “We were here to get a result,” Rohr said after the hard-fought win in Kigali.
Up next for Rohr’s Benin is a clash with the Super Eagles, a side he guided to the FIFA World Cup in 2018.
Both teams will meet at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday with a World Cup ticket at stake.
The 70-year-old German, who managed Nigeria between 2016 and 2021, knows the quality of the opposition all too well and he has named the four Super Eagles danger men his Benin will be wary of.
“Playing against (Victor) Osimhen, (Ademola) Lookman, (Moses) Simon, (Alex) Iwobi. That’s another story. This result builds confidence.”
A win for Benin will automatically secure their qualification regardless of results elsewhere, but anything less could open the door for South Africa or Nigeria to overtake them.
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Nigeria: Super Eagles without Lookman for decisive Benin clash
Nigeria’s preparations for the must-win encounter have suffered a major setback after Ademola Lookman was ruled out through suspension.
The Atalanta winger, one of Nigeria’s most creative threats during the qualifiers, picked up a second yellow card in the 70th minute of the 2–1 victory over Lesotho in Polokwane. His reaction to a rough challenge, grabbing his opponent by the shirt, earned him the booking that will see him miss Tuesday’s tie.
That caution proved costly for Nigeria, as Lookman’s energy and direct play have been crucial to their attacking rhythm. He was replaced by Samuel Chukwueze shortly after the incident, having otherwise enjoyed an influential display.
Despite Lookman’s absence, the Super Eagles did enough to secure the win, thanks to a William Troost-Ekong penalty and a late strike from Akor Adams.
The result leaves Nigeria on 14 points, behind Benin (17) and South Africa (15), heading into the final round.
To reach the World Cup, Nigeria must beat Benin by at least two clear goals and hope South Africa fail to defeat Rwanda. Anything less would see the Super Eagles miss the tournament for the second time running, having been absent from Qatar 2022.
