Gernot Rohr addresses Cèbio Soukou’s national team absence

Benin coach Gernot Rohr has clarified the situation regarding midfielder Cèbio Soukou’s absence from the national team, following questions raised after Benin secured qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Soukou has not featured for the Cheetahs for over a year.

Speaking to Bip Radio, Rohr addressed the matter, stating: “He himself said he didn’t want to come anymore.

So we left it at that. I don’t see why I should call someone who doesn’t want to be here.

Rohr emphasized his commitment to fairness, expressing reluctance to replace players who contributed to the team’s qualification with someone who stepped away.

Who should I drop from this young team? Andréas Hountondji? Olaïtan? It doesn’t make sense to demand his return, Rohr added.

However, the coach left the door open for a possible reconciliation, noting Soukou would need to demonstrate exceptional performance at his club level to merit reconsideration.

If he scores consistently, even in the Turkish second division, and reaches out to me saying, ‘Coach, I’ve changed my mind,’ we can discuss.

But fairness to the team remains my priority,” Rohr explained.

The coach’s remarks underscore his focus on team unity and meritocracy as Benin prepares for the continental tournament in Morocco.