Former Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr, has described tomorrow’s 2026 World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Benin Republic as a game the Cheetahs are ready to sacrifice their lives to win because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity to play at the world’s biggest sporting event.
Rohr, who now coaches Benin Republic, is on the brink of history with the hitherto under-rated Cheetahs, who need only a draw to qualify for their first World Cup.
The Cheetahs arrived in Uyo on Saturday to begin preparation for their big day in history.
Speaking ahead of the game, Rohr told U.K.-based journalist, Osasu Obayiuwana, that having come this far, his wards can smell the World Cup ticket and are ready to grab it.
Speaking after the 1-0 defeat of Rwanda in Kigali, Rohr said: “It was a difficult game, of course. Rwanda wanted absolutely to win and we wanted to enjoy, in the end, the victory. But we still have to do something great in Uyo.
“We have lost two players (for the match against Nigeria) as a result of a second yellow card. But all is possible for the three teams (#SouthAfrica, Benin and #Nigeria). We now have the decision (to win in Uyo) in our hands.”
This can be a little advantage. But we will see. It’s big suspense, until the end (of the qualifying series).”
Before Benin’s 1-0 win over Rwanda, Rohr said that his Beninoise players will put in everything to win this match.
“When they heard Bafana Bafana Coach, Hugo Broos, say that Benin cannot win against Rwanda and Nigeria, my players were very upset.
“They are now within reach of a FIFA World Cup ticket. We look forward to a grand match against Nigeria in Uyo.”
Rohr admitted that his side is ready for a different level of challenge when they face the Super Eagles tomorrow.
The 70-year-old German, who managed Nigeria between 2016 and 2021, knows the quality of the opposition all too well and he has named the four Super Eagles danger men his Benin will be wary of.
He said: “Playing against (Victor) Osimhen, (Ademola) Lookman, (Moses) Simon, (Alex) Iwobi. That’s another story. This result builds confidence.”
A win for Benin will automatically secure their qualification regardless of results elsewhere, but anything less could open the door for South Africa or Nigeria to overtake them.
The Cheetahs are without Yohan Roche and Sessi d’Almeida, who received their second yellow cards in the Cheetahs’ hard-fought 1–0 victory over Rwanda on Friday.
Nigeria is on 14 points, behind Benin (17) and South Africa (15), heading into the final round.
To reach the World Cup, Nigeria must beat Benin by at least two clear goals and hope South Africa fail to defeat Rwanda. Anything less would see the Super Eagles miss the tournament for the second time running, having been absent from Qatar 2022.
