Benin head coach Gernot Rohr has called on the Benin Football Federation to enhance travel arrangements if the Cheetahs are to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Following the March international break, Benin sits third in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers with eight points from six matches.
The team secured a draw against Zimbabwe before suffering a defeat to South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
Rohr, who previously managed Nigeria, stressed that proper logistical planning is a key factor in a team’s success on the international stage.
Drawing from his tenure with the Super Eagles, he highlighted how Nigeria was close to reaching the 2018 World Cup round of 16, only to be eliminated by Argentina’s late winner.
The German coach expressed frustration over the current state of Benin’s travel arrangements, describing them as disorganised.
“Some players had to buy their own tickets because they weren’t validated,” Rohr told national radio station BIP Radio Cotonou, via Footboom.
“They went to the ticket office, and the ticket wasn’t valid, so they had to pay for it themselves – Yohan Roche, Andreas Hountondji.”
“We have a real problem with travel arrangements. If you want to play in the World Cup—I experienced this with Nigeria—good travel conditions are essential. It all starts there.”
Benin will conclude their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in October 2025 with a crucial match against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
