Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr and his Benin Republic side have set up a dramatic Group C finale after securing a crucial 1–0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali, a result that puts them within touching distance of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Aiyegun Tosin’s 80th-minute strike proved decisive, lifting the Cheetahs to the top of Group C with 17 points, two clear of South Africa, who were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe, and three ahead of Nigeria, who defeated Lesotho 2–1 in Polokwane.
Rohr’s men are now just one win away from making history, with their final game set to be a high-stakes clash against Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday, October 14.
Speaking before the victory in Kigali, Rohr revealed that his players were motivated by recent comments made by South Africa’s head coach, Hugo Broos, who had publicly dismissed Benin’s chances of winning their last two games.
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“When they heard Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos say that Benin cannot win against Rwanda and Nigeria, my players were very upset,” Rohr told journalist Osasu Obayiuwana.
The German tactician, who once led Nigeria to third place at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, expressed excitement about facing his former team in what promises to be one of the most dramatic fixtures of the African qualifiers.
“We look forward to a grand match against Nigeria in Uyo,” Rohr said
The encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium is shaping up to be a blockbuster. For Benin, a win would guarantee a historic first-ever World Cup appearance. For Nigeria, victory is non-negotiable if they are to leapfrog their West African neighbours and keep their World Cup dream alive.
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