Sport

Gernot Rohr eyes 2026 World Cup after securing Benin’s AFCON spot

Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has shifted focus to securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following his team’s successful bid for a spot at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The Cheetahs earned their place in the continental tournament after a goalless draw against Libya in their final Group D qualifier held in Tripoli.

At the end of the qualification campaign, Benin finished second in the group with eight points, trailing Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who topped the table with 11 points. Rwanda and Libya settled for third and fourth places, respectively.

After the game against Libya Rohr, quoted on Joueurs Beninoise, said: “We qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations. It is a done deal. Now, we are going to try and qualify for the World Cup.”

Gernot Rohr previously guided Nigeria’s Super Eagles to qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, finishing top of a challenging group that included Cameroon, Algeria, and Zambia.

Meanwhile, the Benin Republic is gearing up for its fifth appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations.

In the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Cheetahs currently sit third in Group C with seven points.

Idoko Dennis

Idoko Dennis is a creative videographer/drone pilot and sport writer. He heads the sport desk and deputizes the head of Idoma TV

Recent Posts

Chelsea condemn homophobic abuse after Sam Kerr announces pregnancy

Chelsea condemned the homophobic abuse aimed at star striker Sam Kerr on Tuesday, following the…

1 hour ago

Ngoumou backs Lookman for African Player of the Year

Former Cameroonian junior international François Ngoumou has backed Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman as a…

2 hours ago

Messi equals international assist record in Argentina’s victory over Peru

Lionel Messi moved closer to yet another international milestone with a stunning assist during Argentina's…

2 hours ago

AFCON 2025: 24 countries qualify for tournament (FULL LIST)

The lineup for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is now complete, with Mozambique…

2 hours ago

Guardiola extends Manchester City stay, marking 10 years at the club

Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, has agreed to a one-year contract extension, securing his…

2 hours ago

Ortom sues Gov Alia’s aide for defamation, seeks N1 billion damages

Former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has demanded that Mkor Aondona, the Special Adviser to…

4 hours ago