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Benin's coach Gernot Rohr has provided insight into his team's 4-0 defeat against Nigeria's Super Eagles during the 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.
Rohr observed as Victor Osimhen scored three goals and Frank Onyeka added another, securing Nigeria's victory over Benin.
In a post-match press conference held in Uyo, Rohr indicated that it was challenging for Benin to overcome Nigeria, especially since Eric Chelle's team was also contending for a playoff spot.
He also noted that Benin was missing two players due to suspensions and three others due to injuries when facing the Super Eagles.
“They took the lead with a goal in the third minute. I'm unsure if it was offside or not. We had to reconstruct our defense because of the yellow cards,” Rohr remarked.
“Today, we feel a bit disappointed as our dream of reaching the World Cup has come to an end.
“There is significant disappointment because we aspired to represent Benin at the World Cup for the first time in history. We needed to secure a win here.
“Winning in Nigeria, especially when they are also vying for the playoffs, is quite a challenge, particularly with the absence of two suspended players from the last match in Rwanda and three injured players from the September matches.
“We lack sufficient high-caliber players. Some of our players are competing in the fifth division in France, but I take pride in my team.
“I am proud because they performed admirably during these World Cup qualifiers, and we maintained hope until the final game today.
“That is why I feel fortunate to be the coach of this team. It is a young squad that is still in the process of learning.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Benin lose to Nigeria in the World Cup qualifier?
Benin lost to Nigeria due to several factors, including the absence of two suspended players and three injured players. Additionally, Nigeria was also competing for a playoff spot, making the match particularly challenging.
What did Gernot Rohr say about his team's performance?
Gernot Rohr expressed pride in his team's efforts during the qualifiers, despite the disappointment of not reaching the World Cup. He emphasized that the team is young and still learning.
