Benin Republic coach, Gernot Rohr has expressed mixed emotions following his side’s 1-1 draw with Nigeria in their 2025 AFCON qualifier on Thursday.
While lamenting missed opportunities, Rohr believes Nigeria can help his team secure qualification by defeating Rwanda in their final group match.
The Super Eagles, who had already secured their place in the tournament with 11 points before kickoff, rallied from a goal down to earn a draw at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny.
Victor Osimhen celebrates as his teammates huddle joining in after Nigeria scored against Benin in the AFCON Qualifiers. Photo | X
This result leaves Benin’s hopes of qualification hanging on a complex scenario: they must avoid defeat in their final game against Libya, while counting on Nigeria to beat Rwanda in Uyo.
Rohr, who coached Nigeria from 2016 to 2021, leading them to the 2018 World Cup and a third-place finish at AFCON 2019, emphasized the importance of his former side winning their last group match.
Speaking after the match, Rohr said:
Benin’s head coach Gernot Rohr. (Photo by ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images)
“It was a fair result, but we were unlucky. if we had taken the chances we had with the score at 1-0, maybe the result would have been different.
“We’ve got to avoid defeat against Libya, but you don’t play for a draw.
“We’ll use the confidence from today to prosecute the game in Benghazi. Hopefully, the Super Eagles will beat Rwanda in Uyo.”
The group standings remain tight. Benin sits in second place with 7 points, just ahead of Rwanda, who has 5 points.
Libya lags at the bottom with 4 points, making the final round of matches decisive.
