Benin head coach Gernot Rohr made it clear that his team’s objective was simple after their 1-1 draw against Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
According to German tactician, his team were to secure qualification with a win, but above all, not lose to the Auguston Eguavoen led side at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium.
The result, which sees the Cheetahs maintain second place in Group D with seven points, leaves them in a strong position heading into the final round of matches.
Speaking after the match, Benin head coach Rohr reflected on the significance of the draw and its implications for the final group clash.
“The message was clear: if we win, we qualify. And above all, don’t lose, because we keep second place with one more point, and a draw will be enough in the last match.” Rohr said at the post-match press conference as quoted by MegaSports.
The former Super Eagles head coach praised his team’s tactical discipline, which helped the Cheetahs hold their own against a star-studded Nigerian side.
He also admitted to being surprised by Libya’s unexpected 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali earlier in the day, a result that has added more intrigue to Group D.
“We were still surprised by Libya’s victory in Rwanda. It’s not easy to win there, at an altitude of 1,600 metres. Even Nigeria didn’t win there, so we were surprised by this result,” Rohr remarked
With Nigeria already qualified, Benin’s final group match in Tripoli is now decisive. A draw against Libya will see the Cheetahs secure a place in the 2025 AFCON, while a loss could allow Libya to leapfrog them in the standings.
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.
