COACH of the Cheetahs of the Republic of Benin, Gernot Rohr, faces mounting pressure ahead of his team’s crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
As seen in the list announced on social media, the Franco-German manager named three players of Nigerian descent in the 25-man squad for the final two games.
Mohammed Tijani, midfielder Junior Olaitan, and forward Tosin Aiyegun were named in the squad, while there was also a recall for Beninoise goalkeeper Serge Obassa, who plays for Remo Stars.
“Obassa knows Nigerian football very well since he plays for Remo Stars, which is one of the best clubs in Nigeria at the moment. So his experience and know-how can also be useful to us, whether in training or possibly in matches”, the former Super Eagles technical adviser stated.
Benin Republic defeated Nigeria in June earlier this year for the 2026 World Cup qualification. The team was then handled by George Finidi, now coach of Rivers United of Port Harcourt.
The Super Eagles will seek six points against Benin Republic and Rwanda in the closing rounds of the 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign this month.
The team’s camp opened officially on Monday in Abidjan ahead of their confrontation with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny on Thursday.
The Super Eagles are expected to Uyo on Friday ahead of their final qualifying game against the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Monday.
The Super Eagles, who are currently top of their Group D, will be certain of a place in the final tournament if they get a point against the Cheetahs, which will take them to 11 points, and with only final-day opponents Rwanda capable of catching up with them on points.
Eighteen-Eleven Media