Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr believes his team have what it takes to get a result against the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of their all-important FIFA World Cup qualification clash billed to go down at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Footynaija.com reports.
Rohr’s men are the only side that have taken three points off the Super Eagles in this qualification campaign after coming from behind to snatch a 2-1 win at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Abidjan in June 2024.
Heading into Tuesday’s encounter in Uyo, the Cheetahs, who currently top Group C with 17 points, will be looking to complete the double over Nigeria and secure a first ever World Cup qualification.
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“It was a difficult game [against Rwanda], of course. Rwanda wanted absolutely to win and we wanted to enjoy, in the end, the victory, but we still have to do something great in Uyo,” Rohr said in quotes revealed by The Guardian.
“We have lost two players (for the match against Nigeria) as a result of a second yellow card, but all is possible for the three teams – South Africa, Benin and Nigeria. We now have the decision (to win in Uyo) in our hands.
“This can be a little advantage, but we will see. It’s big suspense, until the end (of the qualifying series). When they heard Bafana Bafana Coach, Hugo Broos, say that Benin cannot win against Rwanda and Nigeria, my players were very upset.
“They are now within reach of a FIFA World Cup ticket. We look forward to a grand match against Nigeria in Uyo. Playing against (Victor) Osimhen, (Ademola) Lookman, (Moses) Simon, (Alex) Iwobi. That’s another story. This result builds confidence.”
While beating the Super Eagles in their own backyard is a tough ask for Rohr and the Cheetahs, current form for both nations does suggest that absolutely anything is possible in this fate-defining encounter.
