Benin coach Gernot Rohr confirms player absences for Nigeria clash
The Benin Republic will be without five important players when they face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, head coach Gernot Rohr has revealed. The absences are due to a combination of suspensions and injuries, which could impact Benin’s performance against their West African rivals.
During a pre-match press conference, Rohr acknowledged the challenge his team faces, highlighting the impact of missing key squad members ahead of the crucial Group C encounter.
Suspensions and injuries affect Benin’s squad strength
Among the suspended players are Yohan Roche and Sessi D’Almeida, who will miss the game against Nigeria due to accumulated yellow cards. Additionally, the team already had two injured players prior to these suspensions, making it a total of five players unavailable for selection.
Rohr admitted the squad depth is a concern but remained optimistic about the team’s overall spirit. “We have suspended players, two other players, now we miss five players because we already had two injured players,” he said. “So it is not easy, we don’t have the same number of high-level players as you have here.”
Benin currently leads Group C in World Cup qualifiers
Despite the setbacks, Benin Republic is currently at the top of Group C with 17 points, ahead of Nigeria and South Africa in the standings. This positioning reflects the team’s impressive form and competitive edge in the qualifying campaign.
The match against Nigeria, a key contender for qualification, will be a significant test for Benin, especially with the absence of crucial players.
Rohr emphasizes team spirit and collective strength
Rohr stressed that despite the challenges, the team’s unity remains strong. “But the team spirit is so good and the collective is strong, that we still can hope,” he remarked, signaling confidence that Benin can put up a strong fight.
The coach’s message reflects the resilience needed to overcome the hurdles posed by missing key squad members and the pressure of a high-stakes qualifier.
Match details and kickoff time
The highly anticipated fixture between Nigeria and Benin Republic is scheduled for kick-off at 5 pm Nigerian time on Tuesday. Fans across both countries and the continent will be eagerly watching as these two rivals battle for crucial points in their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
