BENIN Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has expressed disappointment about his team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 72-year-old German however had kind words for Victor Osimhen and the Super Eagles, the team he used to coach.
The Super Eagles defeated Benin Republic 4-0 in Uyo on Tuesday to earn a ticket to the World Cup play-offs, with Osimhen scoring a hat-trick.
The result put an end to Benin Republic’s dreams of qualifying for their first-ever World Cup, leaving Rohr with mixed feelings.
“There was a big disappointment because we wanted to go to the World Cup, also with Benin for the first time in history, but we could not,” Rohr said.
“You know, we don’t have enough players playing at a high level. Some players who started the match don’t even have clubs, and others play in the fifth division in France, but I am proud of my team.
“They did very well in this World Cup qualifiers, but until the last game. I am very happy to be the coach of this team. It is a young team; there are still things to learn.”
Rohr, who handled the Super Eagles from 2016 to 2021 and led them to the 2018 World Cup, was proud of Osimhen, who made his senior international debut during his time in charge, and wants Nigeria to qualify.
“I remember when I brought Osimhen into the team; he was 17, and we made our first game. He was already in our World Cup squad,” Rohr said.
“I’m very happy to see him like that, but I’m not happy that he did it against me again. I hope he will do it in the play-offs for your country (Nigeria), which I love.
“We are a little bit disappointed because the dream to go to the World Cup for us is finished. We are still a team with a lot to learn.
“We tried, but when you have such a big player like Osimhen, it is difficult.”
The Super Eagles will face Gabon in the semi-finals of the African play-offs in Morocco on November 13.
If they beat Gabon, the Super Eagles will battle either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African play-offs final, with the winners proceeding to the six-team intercontinental play-offs in Mexico in March.