Benin coach fires warning shot to Nigeria ahead of crunch clash

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Benin boss sends stern warning to Nigeria for crucial tie

Photo: Benin @ X

Benin national team head coach Gernot Rohr has sent a stern warning to Nigeria ahead of their crucial clash in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Tuesday.

The Cheetahs head into the final game in pole position at the summit of Group C with 17 points accumulated, while third-placed Super Eagles need a thumping win to keep their hopes alive.

Rohr, who helped Nigeria secure a ticket to the 2018 World Cup, says the team's exploits under his tutelage en route Russia back in 2017 are a thing of the past as he is keen to separate business with pleasure at the moment.

“I believe that we have good chance to go to the World Cup. The memories were wonderful here [in Nigeria] when we did it. It was not even the last game, it was two games to spare and we qualified for the World Cup,” said the veteran tactician.

"But these memories now are the past. We are in the present and this is another situation and with our team from Benin - we can do it [qualify for the World Cup].

On the exciting group C, where South Africa are also in contention to qualify, the German mentor is confident Benin will book their World Cup spot and is adamant his charges can upset Nigeria like they did in June 2024.

“We are the only team from the three who can still hope to have our destiny in our hands, that's why I think we are in a good position even though it would be a surprise to win here [in Uyo], we know that,” Rohr added.

"But we already did it in Abidjan when we won for the first time against Nigeria in the history of Benin football. So, we will try to do it again.