Cheetahs of Benin Republic coach Gernot Rohr, said ahead of Saturday’s African Cup of Nations tie in Uyo he is not expecting another upset win over the Super Eagles.
Rohr who was sacked by the Nigeria Football Federation in 2021 guided the Cheetahs to a famous win over the Super Eagles in a 2026 World Cup qualifier game played in Cote d’Ivoire. The came from a goal down to snatch a 2-1 win and consigned the Super Eagles to a worse qualification campaign in recent times. The dismal outing cost coach George Finidi his job.
“Nigeria is not a conquered territory, far from it. We beat Nigeria three months ago, they will certainly have a spirit of revenge which can be important and that’s normal,” Rohr said, as per Football Benin.
“They didn’t have some players who are there now: Ekong, the captain, Osimhen who will be there this time, he wasn’t there last time, and behind them they also have contributions, Ola Aina is there. It will be a stronger team than the one we beat in June in Abidjan.
“We are wary. In addition, at home, they have the obligation to get a result now after a series of draws or even defeats. There was another change of coach, that’s it, so we will prepare well. It’s not because we know the opponents that it will be easy to beat them. It will be a difficult match, but we are preparing well.”
