Gernot Rohr Backs Benin Republic to Defeat Nigeria Again in 2025 AFCON Qualifiers

Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr believes Benin Republic can beat Nigeria again in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Rohr, who led Nigeria from 2016 to 2021, stated that the Squirrels have the quality to repeat their recent victory over the Super Eagles in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles were drawn in Group D alongside Benin Republic, Libya, and Rwanda for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. This presents an opportunity for Nigeria to avenge their loss to the Cheetahs in Abidjan last month, although the rematch is not scheduled until the final day of the World Cup qualifying series in October 2025.

Despite the Super Eagles' star-studded lineup, which includes Africa's best player Victor Osimhen, Rohr believes Benin Republic can cause another upset. The German tactician cited the Squirrels' recent victory over Nigeria as evidence of their ability to compete with the three-time African champions.

The 2025 AFCON qualifiers will be played over three FIFA windows in September, October, and November 2024. With the top two teams from each group advancing directly to the finals, the matches promise to be highly competitive as teams battle for a place in one of Africa's premier football tournaments.