2026 WCQ: Rohr plots Super Eagles’ fall as Benin chase first-ever World Cup spot

Former Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, has said that his Benin Republic team  the Cheetahs  are ready to fight with everything they have to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Rohr, who now coaches Benin, said tomorrow’s match against Nigeria in Uyo means everything to his players because it could be their first-ever World Cup qualification. Benin only need a draw to book their spot.

The team arrived in Uyo on Saturday to prepare for the crucial game. Rohr told U.K.-based journalist Osasu Obayiuwana that his players can “smell” the World Cup and will not let the chance slip away.
After Benin’s 1–0 win over Rwanda, Rohr said:

“It was a tough game. Rwanda wanted to win badly, but we managed to take the victory. Now we have one more big step to take in Uyo.

We’ve lost two players due to yellow cards, but anything can happen. The race is still open for Nigeria, Benin, and South Africa.”

Rohr added that his team was motivated after hearing South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, say Benin had no chance of beating Rwanda or Nigeria.

“That comment made my players angry,” he said. “Now they are more determined than ever to make history.”

The 70-year-old German coach, who led Nigeria between 2016 and 2021, admitted the match against the Super Eagles will be very difficult.

“Playing against Osimhen, Lookman, Simon, and Iwobi — that’s another story,” he said. “But this win gives us confidence.”

Benin will miss Yohan Roche and Sessi d’Almeida, both suspended after receiving second yellow cards.

Heading into the final round:
Benin: 17 points
South Africa: 15 points
Nigeria: 14 points

To qualify, Nigeria must beat Benin by at least two goals and hope South Africa fail to beat Rwanda. Anything less would mean the Super Eagles miss the World Cup for the second time in a row, after missing Qatar 2022.