Benin Republic’s head coach, Gernot Rohr, has voiced confidence in his squad’s ability to adapt and deliver ahead of their clash against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
The Cheetahs of Benin are missing two of their key defenders, Cédric Hountondji and Olivier Verdon, in their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers slated to hold in Abidjan tomorrow.
Ahead of the crucial encounter, the German tactician acknowledged the challenge his troops would face, but insisted the team is ready to push through.
“We’ll do without them,” he stated. “We would have liked to have Cédric and Olivier with us, but they are not there,” the Franco-German coach added.
With the absences confirmed, Rohr is rallying the Cheetahs to close ranks and maintain a positive outlook, stressing the importance of a resilient team.
Benin will field a slightly modified and rejuvenated lineup, one the formed Super Eagles head coach believes is capable of holding its own.
“A team a little modified and rejuvenated with a lot of solidarity and a lot of combativeness,” Rohr said.
Despite Nigeria’s advantage in both experience and available personnel, Rohr urged his team to focus on a united performance.
“We know it’s going to be difficult because Nigeria is complete now. But we believe in it,” he concluded.
With a fighting mindset and a determined squad, Benin will look to make the best of their altered lineup as they take on the Super Eagles.
Shina Oludare is a distinguished sports journalist and managing editor, renowned for his comprehensive coverage of African football. His dedication to elevating African sports on the global stage has earned him widespread respect, along with numerous accolades for his contributions. A graduate of the LaLiga Business School in Madrid, Oludare’s passion for sports and his influential work in African football journalism have established him as a leading figure in the industry.
