Rohr: “We Were the Only Team to Beat Nigeria” — Benin Coach Reflects on World Cup Qualifiers

Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has reflected on his team’s impressive run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, highlighting their historic victory over Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Abidjan.

Rohr, who previously managed the Super Eagles, noted that Benin’s performance in Group C was a major source of confidence, despite narrowly missing out on qualification.

“Our only regrets concern the first two goals conceded in Nigeria in the decisive match. These situations would have deserved, in my opinion, a different decision and would have allowed us to obtain more justice,” Rohr told CAFonline.

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“We finished the qualifiers with 17 points, as many as Nigeria, which already constitutes a significant confidence boost.”

The veteran German coach also reminded fans of Benin’s rare feat against the three-time African champions.

“We were the only team to beat Nigeria in Abidjan, while they remained undefeated in all other matches,” he added.

Rohr’s Benin side, nicknamed the Cheetahs, produced one of the biggest shocks of the campaign when they defeated Nigeria 2–1 in Abidjan, a result that temporarily placed them top of the group before the final round of fixtures.