Benin Republic head coach, Gernot Rohr believes the outcome of his team’s AFCON Qualifiers defeat to Nigeria would have been different had they not conceded a goal just before half-time.

Rohr’s team frustrated the Super Eagles with deep defensive tactics and were minutes away from a level scoreline heading into the break.

However, Ademola Lookman broke the deadlock in added time of the first half, forcing a tactical shift from Benin in the second period.

Ademola Lookman scored a brace against Benin Republic during the AFCON Qualifying match in Uyo. Photo | IG

“When we were almost at half-time, that is to say in added time, we conceded the first goal,” Rohr stated. “It was something that boosted them and something that hurt us.”

Rohr adjusted his strategy, opting for a more attacking approach after the break.

However, this left Benin vulnerable at the back, and Nigeria capitalized, scoring two more goals to secure a comfortable victory.

“With the speed of their attackers—Lookman, Chukwueze, and Boniface—there were spaces, and they took advantage of it,” the Franco-German tactician added.

William Troost-Ekong challenges for an aerial ball. Photo | IG (ng_supereagles)

Rohr also lamented the absence of key players, such as Mohamed Tijani, whose absence he felt was a significant factor in the match.

“Of course, we missed Mohamed Tijani, but Olivier Verdon, who replaced him, was not bad. The defense held up well until the 47th minute,” he explained.

Despite the setback, Rohr remains optimistic about Benin’s chances of qualifying for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

“We all want to go to Morocco, and it is not because we lost in Nigeria that it calls into question our objective,” he said.