Benin Republic head coach, Gernot Rohr has admitted that Nigeria will be stronger and more difficult to defeat this time around.
The sides are set to clash in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
In their last encounter in June, the Cheetahs surprisingly edged out the Super Eagles with a 2-1 victory.
Steve Mounie celebrates with teammates after the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying match between Benin and Nigeria at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium in Abidjan. (Photo by Issouf SANOGO / AFP)
However, this time the Super Eagles will be led by new technical advisers, including assistant coaches from the NPFL Fidelis Ilechukwu and Daniel Ogunmodede.
Rohr acknowledged the challenge ahead stating that, “Nigeria is not a conquered territory, far from it. We beat them three months ago, so they will certainly have a spirit of revenge, which can be important, and that’s normal.”
He continued, “They didn’t have some players who are there now , Ekong the captain, Osimhen who will be there this time and behind them they have Ola Aina. It will be a stronger team than the one we beat in June in Abidjan.”
Benin’s David Kiki fights for the ball with Wilfred Ndidi during the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers group C football match. (Photo by ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images)
“We are wary, in addition at home, they have obligations to get a result now after a series of draws and even defeats.
“There was another change of coach that’s it, we will prepare well. It’s not because, we know the opponent that it will be easy to beat them. It will be a difficult match but we will prepare well,” he said.
Former Super Eagles head coach Finidi George. (Photo by ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images)
Austin Eguavoen will return for his fourth stint as head coach of the Super Eagles, having previously served in 2005-2007, 2010, and 2022.
Augustine Eguavoen (R) during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021. (Photo by DANIEL BELOUMOU OLOMO/AFP via Getty Images)
Currently, 21 players are expected in camp, with only Victor Osimhen and Maduka Okoye yet to arrive.
