Benin Republic coach Gernot Rohr has expressed pride in his players despite their heavy 4–0 defeat to Nigeria on Tuesday night, admitting that the Super Eagles were simply too strong while wishing Victor Osimhen success in the upcoming World Cup playoffs, Footynaija.com reports.
Rohr, who once managed Nigeria between 2016 and 2021, watched helplessly as his side’s World Cup dream ended in Uyo. An Osimhen hat-trick and a late strike from Frank Onyeka sealed Nigeria’s dominant victory, pushing Benin out of contention and sending the Super Eagles into the playoff round.
Speaking after the match, Rohr said his team gave everything but could not cope with the level of quality Nigeria brought, especially with several key players missing through injury and suspension.
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“Of course, there is a big disappointment because we wanted to go to the World Cup for the first time in our history. But we could not,” Rohr told reporters.
“To win in Nigeria when they also need the result is very difficult, especially when you have two players suspended and three injured.”
The German coach, who handed Osimhen his international debut as a 17-year-old in 2017, reflected emotionally on watching his former striker dismantle his current team.
“When you have such a big player like Osimhen… I remember when I brought him into the team, he was 17, and we made our first game here against Tanzania,” Rohr said.
“I’m very happy to see him like that, but not happy that he did it against me. Still, I hope he will do it again in the playoffs for your country, which I love.”
Rohr praised Nigeria’s improvement under Eric Chelle, acknowledging that the Super Eagles have grown in stability and depth since his own tenure.
“It’s very difficult to win if Nigeria also needs to qualify. They have so many high-level players. Today I saw also the defense and the goalkeeper making a very good match. Before, they had some problems, but they are improving,” he added.
The defeat ended Benin’s dream of qualifying for their first-ever World Cup, despite an encouraging campaign that saw them record a historic 2–1 win over Nigeria earlier in Abidjan.
“We are disappointed because our dream is finished,” Rohr said. “But I’m proud of my young team. Some of them don’t even have clubs now, some play in the fifth division in France, but they fought until the end.”
Rohr concluded by sending a message of support to Nigeria as they prepare for the playoff stage in November, saying he will be rooting for his former side.
“I will be a supporter for the playoffs and for the World Cup because I think they can do it,” he said.
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