The head coach of Benin Republic, Gernot Rohr, said he is aware that the Super Eagles will be seeking retribution against his team this Saturday.
Recall that Benin Republic unexpectedly beat the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1 in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in June.
The Super Eagles now have an opportunity to avenge that defeat when they confront their fellow West Africans in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matchday one encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo at 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 7.
Rohr is convinced that the Super Eagles are now a much stronger team than the one they defeated in Abidjan in June. He said, “Nigeria is not a conquered territory, far from it. We beat Nigeria three months ago; they will certainly have a spirit of revenge, which can be important,t, and that is normal.
“They did not have certain players who are there now: Ekong, the captain, Osimhen who will be there this time, he was not there last time, and behind also they have contributions, Ola Aina is there. It’s going to be a stronger team than the one we beat in June in Abidjan. We are wary. In addition, at home, they must achieve a result now after a series of draws or even defeats, Full Details”
Meanwhile, the Cheetahs of Benin Republic will be missing their dependable defender, Mohamed Tijani, in their 2025 AFCON qualifying match against Nigeria.
Tijani, 27, sustained an ankle sprain during training this week, according to reports from the Cheetahs camp. The medical staff is exerting great effort to ensure he will be available for the team’s home match against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya next week Tuesday.
