Earlier this year, Gernot Rohr led Benin Republic to a shock 2-1 victory over Nigeria in Abidjan during a World Cup qualifier. On Thursday, he faces the Super Eagles again, this time in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. With his knowledge of the Nigerian team and a desire for revenge, can Rohr outwit his former side once more?
Rohr, who coached Nigeria from 2016 to 2021, knows many of the Eagles’ key players well. During his tenure, he guided the team to an AFCON bronze medal and a World Cup appearance before being sacked. Now, he has a point to prove. The German tactician will look to replicate his success against his former team, relying on experienced forwards Steve Mounié and Jodel Dossou, who scored in the last encounter.
However, both players have struggled for form recently. Dossou, now at SC Toulon, is yet to score or assist, while Mounié has just one assist in eight games for Augsburg. But Rohr has another option in Aiyegun Tosin, a Lorient striker in top form, with five-goal contributions in his last four matches. Tosin could be the game-changer Benin needs.
The Super Eagles, meanwhile, are ready for battle. They were without captain William Troost-Ekong and star striker Victor Osimhen in their last meeting with Benin. Both are now fit and determined to lead Nigeria to victory. Osimhen’s return brings world-class firepower to the attack, while Troost-Ekong will stabilize the defense.
Coach Austin Eguavoen who was appointed in an interim capacity after former coach Finidi George resigned also has the luxury of a deep bench. Victor Boniface, one of the Bundesliga’s top strikers, is eager to open his account for Nigeria. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who has scored twice in his last four matches for the Eagles, offers another dynamic option in midfield.
Benin, third in Group D, need a win to keep their AFCON hopes alive. Nigeria, sitting comfortably at the top with 10 points, only need a draw to book their ticket to Morocco. But Eguavoen has clarified that the Eagles aim for all three points.
“The stadium is familiar territory,” Troost-Ekong said. “We’ve had good results here before, but we’re focused on avenging our last loss to Benin and securing the win.”
The Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny has been a fortress for Nigeria in the past, hosting their triumphs over Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon, and Angola during the last AFCON. However, the memory of their June defeat will drive them to deliver a stronger performance.
Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. Nigerian time, with Senegalese referee Issa Sy in charge. With both teams desperate for a positive result, fans can expect a fiercely contested game. Will Rohr outsmart his former team, or will the Super Eagles reassert their dominance?
