Coach Gernot Rohr, Super Eagles of Nigeria during the 2022 World Cup Qualifier between Nigeria and Cape Verde Cape Verde at Teslim Balogun Stadium on November 16, 2021 in Nigeria. Photo by ImagoxSegun Ogunfeyitimi
Head coach of the Republic of Benin, Gernot Rohr, has admitted he made a mistake in the World Cup qualifying clash against Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.
Benin were top of Group C heading into the final matchday, and needed a win against the Super Eagles in Uyo to qualify for their first-ever World Cup.
However, a Victor Osimhen hat-trick and a 91st-minute strike from Frank Onyeka shattered the dreams long-held by the Benin players.
Victor Osimhen of Nigeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Super Eagles of Nigeria and Benin Republic at Godwill Akpabio Stadium on October 14, 2025 in Uyo, Nigeria. Photo by ImagoxNsidibe Akpan
Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!
Nigeria were able to secure a play-off fixture against Gabon, but up next for Benin is the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco.
After a six-year absence, they’ve been drawn into Group D, which will also feature Botswana, Senegal, and DR Congo.
Nigeria was our only regret – Rohr
Nigeria finished 2nd in their World Cup qualifying group, but lost just one game, and it was to the Benin Republic.
AFCON qualifier match between Nigeria and the Benin Republic at Godwill Akpabio Stadium on September 7, 2024, in Uyo, Nigeria. Photo by ImagoxVictor Ihechi
Pay Attention! Power rankings: Every AFCON 2025 team ranked from 24 to 1
For Rohr, this was something for his players and staff to take pride in, although he wished they had done it again in the final matchday.
“I think it [their World Cup campaign] can actually serve as a springboard, especially as a rich experience,” the German tactician said in an interview with CAF Online.
“We finished with 17 points, as much as Nigeria, which is already a significant confidence boost.
“We were the only team to beat Nigeria in Abidjan, while they remained undefeated in all the other matches.
“Our only regrets concern the first two goals conceded in Nigeria in the decisive match.
“These situations would have deserved, in my opinion, a different decision and would have allowed us to obtain more justice.”
Gernot Rohr in interview Germany vs France, World Cup 1982, semi-final, football, night of Seville, 06 07 2022 Germany vs France, World Cup 1982, semi-final, legends evening, night of Seville, football, 40th anniversary, 06 07 2022 Dortmund Copyright: ImagoxEibner-Pressefoto
Read this: How Nigeria qualified for AFCON 2025 － full journey
“In addition, this tournament involves many trips, sometimes with very little recovery between matches, because travelling in Africa is not always simple.
“However, this experience has allowed us to structure, strengthen and prepare ourselves mentally.
“All of these experiences will be valuable in approaching the AFCON with a better chance of success,” Rohr concluded.
Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams and Stanley Nwabali of Nigeria during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Super Eagles of Nigeria and Benin Republic at Godwill Akpabio Stadium on October 14, 2025, in Uyo, Nigeria. Photo by ImagoxNsidibe Akpan
Benin kick off their AFCON campaign on the 23rd of December against DR Congo at the Al Barid in Morocco.
