Coach Gernot Rohr acknowledged the challenge ahead for the Cheetahs of Benin as they prepare to face the Super Eagles on Thursday in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D Matchday 5 qualifier in Abidjan.
While the Super Eagles triumphed 3-0 in their previous encounter with Benin in Uyo during September’s Matchday 3, Rohr, who guided Benin to a surprise 2-1 victory over Nigeria in Abidjan during the World Cup qualifiers last June, is optimistic about his team’s current form and hopes to extend their winning streak in the Ivorian capital.
“I’m already in Abidjan, since few days ago to prepare our training session and our camping in the best way. So everything is okay and we hope to continue our good series here in Abidjan,” Rohr, told NationSport, adding they have put behind their last ‘misadventure’ in Uyo.
While 10-point Group D leaders, the Super Eagles, are mathematically through to Morocco 2025, Rohr’s Benin with six points must grind positive results against Nigeria and Libya to have realistic chance of making the AFCON party with five-point Rwanda lurking in the corners.
“The match against Nigeria is very important and we still remember the lost match in Uyo, which was very bad for us and spirit of the team,” Rohr, who qualified Nigeria for the 2019 AFCON and Russia 2028 FIFA World in his spell with the Super Eagles, further told NationSports. “We have to forget the loss in Uyo and approach this match with togetherness because we need good result.”
The former Bayern Munich defender yet remains hopeful that his wards will conduct themselves well against the attack-loaded Super Eagles even as he tipped Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman, as the next African Footballer of the Year.
He said: “We see that in your (Nigeria) list you have Victor Osimhen, Lookman, Moses Simon and all the big strikers but I love these players because most of them were with me few years ago.
“ For me, Lookman is the best one in Africa to win the golden award for the footballer of the year, he is a fantastic player.”
“ But I hope he will not score against us (on Thursday) like he did in the last game in Uyo.
“ Rwanda is our concurrent, Nigeria has already qualified practically and so I hope that the match will be good and spectacular (to watch) like the last one here in Abidjan against Nigeria in June,” he added.
