Gernot Rohr explains reasons behind Benin’s 4-0 defeat to Nigeria

Benin Republic coach, Gernot Rohr, has mentioned reasons behind his team’s 4–0 loss to Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo.

The Cheetahs were swept aside by a rampant Nigerian side, with Victor Osimhen netting a hat-trick and Frank Onyeka adding the fourth goal to seal a dominant victory for the hosts.

‘We were missing key players’

Addressing journalists after the match, Rohr said his side struggled to compete due to several absentees and Nigeria’s strong motivation to qualify for the playoffs.

“They started with a goal in the third minute, I don’t know whether it’s offside or not. We had to build a new defence because of the yellow cards,” Rohr explained.

“Today, we are a little bit disappointed because the dream of going to the World Cup is finished. There was a big disappointment because we wanted to go with our country, Benin, for the first time in history, but we could not. To win in Nigeria when Nigeria is also playing for the playoffs is something very difficult.”

‘We don’t have enough high-level players’

The former Super Eagles boss noted that his squad lacked depth and quality compared to Nigeria’s star-studded lineup.

“We missed two suspended players from the last game in Rwanda and three injured players from the September games. We don’t have enough high-level players, some of our players are in the fifth division in France,” Rohr said.

Despite the setback, the German coach expressed pride in his team’s effort and progress throughout the qualifiers.

“I’m proud of my team because they did so well in these qualifiers. We could hope until the last game to go there. That is why I’m happy to be the coach of this young team, they are still learning,” he concluded.

For the playoffs, Cameroon, DR Congo and Gabon join Nigeria, in another competition that could pitch the Super Eagles against Gabon.