‘We don’t have enough players of high level’ – Benin coach Gernot Rohr after missing out on 2026 World Cup

Benin head coach Gernot Rohr has spoken out for the first time since his team’s crushing 4-0 loss to Nigeria in the final Group C match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Cheetahs, who entered the encounter leading the group standings, saw their World Cup dreams dashed at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Tuesday as the Super Eagles delivered a dominant performance to seal qualification alongside South Africa.

Benin needed only a draw to progress — provided South Africa failed to win against Rwanda — or a victory to secure their place outright. But Rohr’s men struggled to contain a resurgent Nigerian side that proved far superior on the night.

Reflecting on the defeat, Rohr expressed pride in his players’ overall campaign but admitted the team lacked the depth and quality required to compete at the highest level.

“There was a big disappointment because we wanted to go to the World Cup, also with Beninois for the first time in history, but we could not,” Rohr said, as quoted by Premium Times.

“You know, we don’t have enough players of high level. As you know, we have some players who started the match, they don’t even have clubs.”

Despite the heartbreak, the veteran coach maintained optimism about the team’s future, highlighting the youth and potential within the squad.

“We also have players who play in the 5th division in France, but I am proud of my team. They did very well in this World Cup qualifier, but until the last game today.

“I am very happy to be the coach of this team. It is a young team; there are still things to learn. They [Nigeria] started with a goal in the first minutes,” he continued.

The defeat ended Benin’s hopes of making a historic maiden appearance at the World Cup, but Rohr’s comments suggest a continued commitment to building a competitive side for the future.