Benin Republic coach Gernot Rohr has shared his thought on his team’s heavy defeat to Nigeria, Highlighting what went wrong during the match.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles kicked off their 2025 AFCON qualifiers with a dominating 3-0 victory over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, thanks to two goals from Ademola Lookman and a strike from Osimhen.
This win marks the Super Eagles’ first four-game winning streak since appointing their interim coach.
Rohr reflected on the match, pinpointing the crucial moments that shifted the game in Nigeria’s favour. Speaking to BeninWebTV, the 71-year-old said, “When we were almost at half-time, that is, in added time, we conceded the first goal. It was something that boosted them and something that hurt us.
“In the second half, we were forced to open up a little more. With the speed of their attackers—Lookman, Chukwueze, and also Boniface—there were spaces, so they took advantage of it.”
He also acknowledged the difference in quality between the teams, noting that Nigeria’s squad features many top players from Europe. Rohr commented, “What did not work is that we do not have the same means as this Nigerian team…
“When you see the Nigerian squad, they are all very high-level players who play in their clubs. And unfortunately, we have players who do not play much in their clubs.”
Lookman’s goal just before the break came after he danced through Benin’s defence, shifting the momentum right before half-time – a moment that visibly frustrated the German coach.
Despite the loss, Rohr remains optimistic in Benin Republic’s chances in their qualificaition campaign.
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