As Thursday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Benin Republic and Nigeria approaches, several publications in the French-speaking West African country are voicing concerns for The Cheetahs.
The early optimism that followed Benin’s resurgence after Matchday 3 has faded, following a disappointing slump in their Matchday 4 clash away to Rwanda.
In September, The Cheetahs got a major boost when they massacred Rwanda 3-0 in Abidjan while Nigeria laboured to a late 1-0 win at home against Libya. While expecting to consolidate in matchday 4 a few days later in Kigali, Benin slumped 2-1 despite having a 1-0 lead at half-time.
Nigeria’s ‘boardroom’win over Libya has complicated Rwanda’s qualification hopes. Though in third place, Rwanda can overtake Benin Republic should they beat no hopers, Libya, on Thursday.
That leaves Benin Republic with zero options than to press for a win in Thursday’s match with the almost-qualified Super Eagles.
As such, the local press has put pressure on Gernot Rohr with Fraternite, condemning the coach’s call-ups for the matches against Nigeria and Libya.
It described it as ‘a list without surprises… but with questions’.
“The list is worrying and there are enough doubts about the competitiveness of most of the players,” Fraternite claimed. “Indeed, he (Rohr) has remained faithful to his squad for almost two years without almost any new features. However, the expectations of the supporters are high.”
