Gernot Rohr Hopes Nigeria Helps Benin Republic Qualify For 2025 AFCON

Benin Republic coach, Gernot Rohr, has admitted that Nigeria can influence their chances of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Following a hard-fought qualifying match against Nigeria that ended in a 1-1 draw, Gernot Rohr and his squad are focused on their next steps.

During their game against the Super Eagles in Abidjan on Thursday, November 14, the Benin Republic took the lead thanks to Mohamed Tijani’s impressive goal in the 16th minute.

However, the Super Eagles managed to equalize in the 81st minute with a strike from their star forward, Victor Osimhen. This late equalizer underscored the competitive spirit of both teams, but it also left the Squirrels with unfinished business as they now look toward their final qualifying match against Libya.

For Benin Republic to secure their place in the tournament, they must achieve a victory or at least avoid a heavy defeat in Benghazi. Furthermore, their hopes hinge on Nigeria winning their next match against Rwanda in Uyo on Monday.

“We have to avoid defeat. But you don’t go to play for a draw,” Rohr said.

“So we will use our confidence from the performance today (against Nigeria) for the game in Benghazi.

“Hopefully, the Super Eagles will beat Rwanda in Uyo.”

Meanwhile, reflecting on the recent match against Nigeria, Rohr expressed mixed feelings about the outcome.

He noted that while the result was fair, he felt that his team was unlucky not to come away with a victory.

“It was a fair result, but we were unlucky because we had the better chances and organization to win the game,” he said.

He acknowledged Nigeria’s strength, noting, “Nigeria is not a team that is easy to beat. But if we had taken the chances we had when we were leading 1-0, maybe the result would have been different.”