Benin coach Gernot Rohr reveals frustrations after heavy defeat to Nigeria in final World Cup qualifier

Head coach of Benin, Gernot Rohr has revealed frustrations among players and technical staff following their heavy defeat to Nigeria in the final 2026 World Cup qualifier early this month.

Benin, nicknamed the Cheetahs, had been the surprise leaders of Group C and stood just one match away from a historic first-ever World Cup qualification. A victory would have secured their spot, irrespective of the result in the game between South Africa and Rwanda.

However, 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.

Rohr confessed that the result was especially painful given how close they were to achieving their goal.

“It’s true that the heavy defeat in Nigeria caused a lot of frustration within the staff and the dressing room, since we saw this World Cup very close,” Rohr told Joueurs Beninois.

Looking ahead, the German tactician acknowledged that the team must improve defensively. He pointed to mistakes made against Nigeria, stating, “The areas for improvement are mainly defensive discipline. There are still a lot of mistakes…”

With their World Cup hopes over, Rohr will now focus on preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where Benin is grouped with Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Botswana.