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Benin’s loss to Nigeria forces Gernot Rohr into tactical change

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Nigeria ruined Benin’s chances of a debut World Cup campaign with a win over the Cheetahs…

Head coach of the Republic of Benin has revealed his side’s loss to the Super Eagles of Nigeria has forced him into a tactical switch, Soccernet.ng reports.

The German tactician came close to delivering a debut World Cup campaign for Benin, but they fell short to the Super Eagles on the final matchday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

A hat-trick from Victor Osimhen and a 91st-minute strike from Frank Onyeka were just enough to seal a World Cup play-off spot for Eric Chelle’s men.

Frank Onyeka of Nigeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Super Eagles of Nigeria and Benin Republic at Godwill Akpabio Stadium on October 14, 2025 in Uyo, Nigeria. Photo by ImagoxNsidibe Akpan

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Nigeria loss forces Benin into tactical change

Benin have been drawn into the AFCON 2025 Group D alongside Botswana, DR Congo, and Senegal.

Ahead of the showdown in Morocco, the former Super Eagles coach revealed that the players are still mentally defeated after their loss to Nigeria.

“It’s true that the heavy defeat in Nigeria caused a lot of frustration inside the staff and the dressing room, since we saw this World Cup very close,” conceded Rohr in quotes revealed by Onzenational.

Gernot Rohr in interview Germany vs France, World Cup 1982, semi-final, football, night of Seville, 06 07 2022 Germany vs France, World Cup 1982, semi-final, legends evening, night of Seville, football, 40th anniversary
Gernot Rohr in interview Germany vs France, World Cup 1982, semi-final, football, night of Seville, 06 07 2022 Germany vs France, World Cup 1982, semi-final, legends evening, night of Seville, football, 40th anniversary, 06 07 2022 Dortmund Copyright: ImagoxEibner-Pressefoto

“The points to improve are mainly defensive rigor. There are still many mistakes as we have seen in the face of Nigeria.

“At the level of the defensive organization at three in the axis, we will work on this to have a second plan, to vary a little defensively,” the 72-year-old concluded.

AFCON qualifier match between Nigeria and Benin Republic at Godwill Akpabio Stadium on September 7, 2024 in Uyo, Nigeria. Photo by ImagoxVictor Ihechi

Benin kick-off their AFCON 2025 campaign against DR Congo on the 23rd of December at the Stade El Barid in Rabat, Morocco.

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