Benin coach Gernot Rohr unhappy with officiating in final World Cup qualifier defeat against Nigeria

Benin coach Gernot Rohr has expressed his displeasure about officiating in their final 2026 World Cup qualifier against Nigeria.

The Super Eagles produced a dominant display in Uyo to keep their World Cup hopes alive, beating Benin 4-0 to secure a spot in the inter-confederation playoffs.

Star striker Victor Osimhen was the hero of the night, scoring a sensational hat-trick, while Frank Onyeka added a late fourth as the Super Eagles swept aside their West African rivals in convincing fashion.

Osimhen’s opener, which came from a clever through ball, was protested by Rohr, who suggests the striker may have beaten the offside trap “too early.” The coach implied that the absence of VAR allowed the questionable goal to stand.

The second goal, scored just before the hour mark, also drew sharp protests. Benin players insisted Osimhen had fouled a defender in the build-up before heading the ball home. The referee dismissed their appeals, and the goal stood despite the defender remaining down for several minutes.

“Our only regrets concern the first two goals conceded in Nigeria in the decisive match. These situations would have deserved, in my opinion, a different decision and would have allowed us to obtain more justice,” Rohr told CAFonline.

Despite the setback, Rohr’s team finished the qualifying campaign level on 17 points with Nigeria, a position that only came about due to a superior point haul for Nigeria following the withdrawal of Eritrea. “We finished (the World Cup qualifiers) with 17 points, as many as Nigeria, which already constitutes a significant confidence boost,” the German tactician added. Benin also notably secured a 2-1 victory over Nigeria during the campaign, the Super Eagles’ only defeat.