Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr says his side is preparing for “a different level of challenge” when they face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Tuesday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo.
The Cheetahs defeated Rwanda 1–0 in Kigali on Friday thanks to a late Tosin Aiyegun strike, a result that kept their qualification hopes alive and left Group C wide open ahead of the final round.
“It was a very tactical match. A difficult match with very little football. But since it was so important, you can’t come here to put on a show,” Rohr told reporters after the game. “We were here to get a result.”
Next up for Rohr’s side is a return to familiar territory. The 70-year-old German, who managed Nigeria between 2016 and 2021 and guided them to the 2018 World Cup, will be in the opposite dugout this time.
Former Super Eagles gaffer Gernot Rohr is hoping to qualify Benin republic for their first ever FIFA World Cup. Photo Credit: X
Both teams meet at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, with a World Cup ticket at stake and only one route to North America for either side.
“Playing against (Victor) Osimhen, (Ademola) Lookman, (Moses) Simon, (Alex) Iwobi that’s another story,” Rohr said. “This result builds confidence.”
The coach admitted his players will need tactical discipline and concentration to cope with Nigeria’s attacking quality, adding that victory in Kigali has boosted Benin’s belief heading into Uyo.
READ MORE: World Cup 2026: How Nigeria, Benin and South Africa can still qualify
Nigeria’s preparations, however, have suffered a blow after Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman was ruled out through suspension.
The forward, who picked up a second yellow card during the 2–1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane, will miss Tuesday’s encounter.
Ademola lookman will miss the final group encounter with the Cheetahs in Uyo. Photo Credit: CAF/X
Despite his absence, goals from William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams earned Nigeria all three points , a result that keeps them in contention for qualification.
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Heading into the final group matches, Benin top Group C with 17 points, followed by South Africa on 15 and Nigeria on 14.
To qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria must defeat Benin by at least two clear goals and hope South Africa fail to beat Rwanda. Anything less will see the Super Eagles miss out on back-to-back tournaments, having been absent from Qatar 2022.
