Gernot Rohr vows Benin will give everything to reach 2026 World Cup

Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has declared that his Benin Republic side, the Cheetahs, are fully prepared to give their all in pursuit of a historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Rohr, who now manages the Benin national team, said Tuesday’s clash against Nigeria in Uyo means everything to his players, describing it as a potential landmark moment in the country’s football history. Benin need only a draw to seal their first-ever World Cup ticket.

The Cheetahs arrived in Uyo on Saturday to fine-tune preparations for the decisive encounter. Speaking to U.K.-based journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, Rohr said his players “can already smell the World Cup” and are determined not to let the opportunity slip away.

Reflecting on their narrow 1–0 victory over Rwanda, the German tactician said: “It was a tough match. Rwanda came out strong because they also wanted to win, but we managed to hold on and take all three points. Now, we have one last big step to take in Uyo.

We’ve lost two players to yellow-card suspensions, but football is unpredictable. The race remains wide open among Nigeria, Benin, and South Africa.”

Rohr also revealed that his team drew extra motivation from comments made by South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, who had earlier dismissed Benin’s chances of defeating Rwanda or Nigeria.

“That statement made my players angry,” Rohr admitted. “Now they are more determined than ever to make history for their country.”

The 70-year-old coach, who managed the Super Eagles between 2016 and 2021, acknowledged the challenge of facing his former team, especially with stars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Alex Iwobi in their ranks.

“Playing against such quality players is never easy,” he said. “But this win has given us confidence heading into the final match.”

Benin will be without Yohan Roche and Sessi d’Almeida, both suspended after picking up second yellow cards.

Group Standings Ahead of the Final Round:

Benin Republic: 17 points

South Africa: 15 points

Nigeria: 14 points

To qualify, Nigeria must defeat Benin by at least two goals and hope South Africa fail to beat Rwanda. Anything short of that would see the Super Eagles miss the World Cup for the second consecutive time, having failed to qualify for Qatar 2022.