Benin Republic Head Coach, Gernot Rohr is confident of securing a spot for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco, despite being in a challenging group that includes Nigeria and Rwanda.

In the AFCON 2025 draw on Thursday, Benin was placed in Group D alongside Rwanda, Nigeria, and Libya.

These teams are familiar rivals, as Nigeria, Rwanda and Benin are also grouped together for the World Cup qualifiers.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the 2025 AFCON and remains optimistic about qualifying, acknowledging the difficulty of the task.

Recall that Benin Republic defeated Nigeria 2-1 in Abidjan during the World Cup qualifiers.

Rohr stated that while it will be challenging to beat them again or at least secure a draw, it is not impossible.

“Yes, we have Nigeria and Rwanda in our group again. It’s always a pleasure to meet my friends from Nigeria, many of whom I coached,” Rohr told Brila.net. “It’s a good moment to see people you love.”

“We managed to win in Abidjan, but we know they missed some key players like Osimhen.

“It will be very difficult to win the first match in Nigeria, but I hope we can at least finish second in this group.

“Benin didn’t participate twice before I came here, but now we have to aim for the first or second position.”

“Rwanda is also a good team. Nigeria will see this again, as they play there. It’s not easy to play against these teams, but I hope for a good, fair game in Uyo and to see some friends.”

The former Super Eagles coach also declared his readiness to face his old team again and secure a spot, regardless of how tough the group seems.

“Oh, I think Nigeria has not played against Rwanda yet; I believe you played Zimbabwe. It’s very special to play against this team.

“I don’t know if CAF made the draw to not go too far, but we have to take it as it comes. We will be happy to play against Nigeria again.”