Former Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr, whose current side, Cheetahs of Benin Republic, defeated Nigeria in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire earlier this year, has pumped up his plan to beat the Super Eagles again, this time in an African Cup of Nations qualifier in the same city.

Benin Republic will host Nigeria in their fifth Group B qualifying match in the Ivorian capital on November 14. The Cheetahs need to win their last two games of the series to make the cut for the Nations Cup billed to hold in Morocco next year.

When the Cheetahs hosted the Super Eagles in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in Abidjan, they ran way with a 2-1 victory that has jeopardised Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the global fiesta.

But the Super Eagles under interim manager, Austin Eguavoen, have been on the mend since they parted ways with former coach, Finidi George. With 10 points from four games, they need a point to cement their place in the Morocco 2025 line up.

Benin Republic, on the other hand, need to beat Nigeria and also win their last game against Libya to make the cut. Mindful of the enormous challenge posed by the Super Eagles, Rohr has fallen back to some of his trusted lads in his quest for the desired result.

In his latest squad announcement, Rohr brought back Serge Obassa, Lenny Pirringuel, David Kiki, Tosin Aiyegun and Ryan Adigo to fortify his side. In the latest list, goalkeeper Obasa will contend with Marcel Dandjinou and Saturnin Allagbe for the number one position, just as Kiki will team up with Fassinou Rodrigue, Rachid Moumini, Ouorou Tamimou, Yohan Roche, Tidjani Mohamed and Olivier Verdon will battle to ward off Nigeria’s attack led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

To join Adigo in the midfield of the team being prepared by Rohr are Mattéo Ahlinvi, Mariano Ahouangbo, Ghislain Ahoudo, Romaric Amoussou, Almeida Session, Dodo Dokou, Imourane Hassane and Junior Olaitan, while the attack comprises Dossou Jodel, Andreas Hountondji, Steve Traore, Steve Mounié, Lenny Pirringuel and Tosin Aiyegun.

The Cheetahs are expected to start assembling in Abidjan from today to begin preparations for Thursday’s game. The foreign-based Super Eagles are also expected to start arriving in the Ivorian capital from today from their various teams in Europe, with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) staff and home-based players will join them later this evening.