Tag: Gernot Rohr

• By Olamilekan  Israel

The head coach of the Benin Republic national football team, Gernot Rohr, has confirmed that The Cheetahs will open their training camp in Cotonou as part of preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to take place in Morocco.

Rohr disclosed exclusively to  NationSports,  explaining that the decision to host the camp in Cotonou was a deliberate move to help the team stay focused, train under familiar conditions and build tactical chemistry ahead of the tournament.

We will prepare well for our AFCON in Morocco. We will be there, perhaps to see the final, because we are doing well to see the game in Morocco on the 18th against Burkina Faso, Rohr said.

The former Super Eagles coach, who led Nigeria to the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 AFCON bronze medal, noted that Benin’s training sessions would emphasize teamwork and collective performance. He also expressed optimism that the players’ current form and unity could help the team advance beyond previous records.

According to Rohr, Benin’s pre AFCON programme includes a friendly match against Burkina Faso on November 18. The fixture is expected to serve as a test game to evaluate player readiness and tactical strategies before the tournament proper.

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“We are preparing well and improving game by game. The players understand what is at stake, and it’s important we maintain this rhythm before AFCON,” he added.

Rohr highlighted that his team’s performance has steadily improved since he took over in 2023, focusing on youth development and rebuilding confidence within the squad. He emphasized that discipline, technical efficiency, and mental strength would remain central to the team’s success in Morocco.

Football analysts believe Rohr’s experience working with Nigeria gives Benin a tactical advantage. His deep knowledge of African football and emphasis on structured play could inspire the Squirrels to make a strong impression at the tournament.

The 2025 AFCON will feature 24 teams across the continent competing for the prestigious title. For Benin, which has never gone beyond the quarter-finals in its football history, the upcoming championship presents another opportunity to make a statement on the African stage.

Franco-German predicts Eagles, Leopards finale

By Olamilekan Israel

Franco-German coach Gernot Rohr, has urged the Super  Eagles  to maintain the same collective performance they showed against Benin if they are to overcome Gabon   in one of the semi-final s of the African play-offs   for World Cup 2026 in Rabat on November 13^th .

Currently attached with  The Cheetahs of Benin, Rohr  who  had previously managed  the two combatants , said the  ‘more quality’ Super Eagles must be wary of the Les Panthères (The Panthers), since they are  capable of upsetting  the apple carts.

“Gabon and Nigeria are two good teams,” the 72-year-old  former Bordeaux coach told NationSport  from Cotonou yesterday.  “Some of their (Gabonese) players are still the same ones I worked with  between  2010 and 2012 when we reached the quarter-finals of  the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).”

Rohr named  the like former African Footballer of  the  Year  Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

as one of the players that  Nigeria must pay attention to, adding there are  other experienced players in their fold.

He continued: “Aubameyang was a young player at that time (2012), and their captain, Bruno Ecuele Manga, is still there. But I think Nigeria has better players. If they play collectively like they did against Benin, I think they  can beat Gabon.”

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Speaking further,  the vastly-travelled  Rohr with stints in Niger, Tunisia  and Burkina  Faso, said  it would be difficult to predict the eventual sole  winner  of the African Play-Off , adding both   Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo who  play in the other semi-finals, can be a hard nut to crack.  

“The winner of  the  final ticket will be difficult to predict  because the match between Cameroon and DR Congo will not be easy,” said Rohr who incidentally qualified Nigeria to  her last  Mundial appearance at Russia 2018. “Perhaps, DR Congo are a bit stronger because they have individually better quality players than Cameroon.

 “ Again, Cameroon are also facing some administrative problems that  may affect their performance, so I think the final could be between Nigeria and DR Congo.”

He  also discussed the upcoming continental playoffs in Mexico, describing it as “a tougher challenge” but expressing hope that the Super Eagles’ quality and depth could carry them through.

Rohr quipped: “The continental playoffs in Mexico will be very difficult, but there’s still hope. I think Nigeria can do it because they have the best players and a good image,” he said. “It will be good for FIFA to have a nation like Nigeria, with almost 200 million people, at the World Cup.

“It would make the tournament more exciting,” he added.

Ahead of today’s crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter against the Super Eagles in Uyo, coach Gernot Rohr  has described  the match as a defining moment for his  Beninese side.

The Franco-German tactician, who once managed the Super Eagles , said his players were motivated by their impressive run so far and the prospect of making history.

“I am happy to be here. Nobody expected us to be in this position,” Rohr stated during his  press conference that preceded today’s game.   “Now, we are just a game from achieving something very memorable for Benin football.

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“We had good memories in the past but they are now in the past — we are in the present. I am with another country.”

Rohr added that while the odds favour Nigeria, his side remains confident in their ability to pull off another upset.

 “We believe in ourselves and we still have our destiny in our hands,” he said. “We know it will be a surprise to beat the Eagles here, but we did it already in Abidjan when we beat Nigeria for the first time in the history of Benin football. We will try to do it again.”

Gernot Rohr has boasted that his former team the Super Eagles may not be a tough team to beat for Benin especially if by the time the two teams clashed, Nigeria have failed to qualify for the World Cup.

Rohr has also said he hopes to win the World Cup qualifying group with the Cheetahs of Benin.                                      Benin are second in the standings with 14 points from eight matches, three points behind leaders South Africa with rounds of matches to the end of the qualifying series.In October, they next travel to fourth-placed Rwanda, before a final game in Uyo against Nigeria  “We know Rwanda and Nigeria well, the latter of which we’ve already beaten. As for them, we don’t know if they’re still in a position to qualify. If they’re not, maybe it’ll be less difficult,” said Rohr, who has also qualified Benin to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.                

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“Our last two matches? is still possible. You know that with 14 points, we not only have the chance to finish first in the group, but we can also end up among the best runners-up. “So, we absolutely must keep going down this path.”          The bullish coach continued: “The team has become balanced: it doesn’t concede goals, it fights together, and it also has technical resources.“We’re seeing young players who are confident, and we have hope, without being overly optimistic either. We know it’s going to be tough.”

German  to release  Cheetah’s squad Thurs.

Erstwhile Super Eagles trainer Gernot Rohr  has enjoined the world’s  soccer ruling body, FIFA , to expedite action on the matter  involving the ineligibility of South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena in their  MatchDay  2-0 home win over Lesotho.

The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder who was suspended due to yellow cards received in matches against Benin and Zimbabwe, was still fielded by the Bafana Bafana in the tie against Lesotho—a violation of FIFA rules.   Currently, South Africa  are comfortably leading Group C of the African qualifiers  towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 13 points from six games. But a  three-point deduction would drop them to 10 points, significantly tightening the competition in the group that  houses  Rwanda (8 points), Benin (8 points), Nigeria (7 points), Lesotho (6 points) and Zimbabwe ( 4 points)

Speaking  for the umpteenth time ahead of  next month’s  MatchDay 7 & 8 games, Rohr said it was about time FIFA  take a firm decision  on the pending ‘vexed’ matter in the spirit of fair play.

“FIFA must take a firm decision  and deduct  three points from South Africa and give it to Lesotho,”  Rohr, who has already qualified Benin for the 2026 African Cup of Nations, told NationSport shortly on arrival in Cotonou. “This should be before the next game (in September)   so that we all know exactly  how’s the situation on the table.

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“ it is not respectful to wait  and continue  to wait because the thing is clear.”

Meanwhile,  the former Bayern Munich defender  has  affirmed  his side’s readiness  to ride their luck in the remaining four matches in their Group C qualifying section

“ Hopefully, we would give our official provisional list on Thursday, “ he said.

For their  forthcoming double header, Benin will host both   Zimbabwe and Lesotho  in Abidjan  on September 5  and September 9 respectively  and  Rohr remains upbeat.

“We are preparing ahead of our two matches but we are still not yet playing at home in Cotonou but Abidjan  but as always, we would give the best  because we need these two victories  which could be very interesting,” added Rohr who guided Nigeria to her  last Mundial at the Russia 2018 World Cup.

Former coach of Nigeria Gernot Rohr has called on FIFA to quickly deduct three points and three goals from South Africa in the world cup qualifiers for fielding an ineligible player in their 2-0 win over Lesotho in March, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

South Africa fielded Teboho Mokoena in the 2-0 win over Lesotho, a game he was supposed to be suspended for after picking up two yellow cards in previous games of the qualifiers.

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His ineligibility to play in the game was flagged by the Nigerian media and FIFA were duly notified despite the fact that no protest was lodged. A three points deduction is now likely to be hammered on them before the resumption of games in September.

FIFA have already communicated to South Africa Football Association (SAFA) on the infringement and the possibility of a three points deduction, but it’s yet to be implemented.

Rohr who is now in charge of Benin Republic, who are the same group with South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Lesotho has called on FIFA to take the decision, because it’s clear and obvious that South Africa should lose three points.

 “I am calling on FIFA to make themselves clear on the points situation in our 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group, as South Africa used an ineligible player in a World Cup qualifier, which means they must lose three points and three goals to the opponent of the said match, Lesotho”, he told veteran Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana from his base in France.

“With the remaining qualifiers set to begin soon, it is imperative, in the interest of fair play, for all the teams in our World Cup qualifying group to know where they legitimately stand, before we start to play.

“I am surprised that FIFA is taking too long to resolve what a very straightforward matter is. It should and must be resolved without further delay.”

German  coach Gernot Rohr said his Cheetahs of Benin will be up in arms to secure the three points at stake against South Africa in their Matchday 6 encounter .

After the opening  five round of matches in Group C, the Beninese side are second on eight points behind 10-point leaders, Bafana Bafana, and the erstwhile Super Eagles’ trainer, is confident of upstaging the apple cart of the South Africans when they come face-to-face in Abidjan tomorrow.

“Yes, we have reached the halfway stage with five matches and we (Benin) have had three away games and two in home games in Abidjan and not in Cotonou but we are second on the group,” the German basked in his side’s unexpected success.

“If we beat South Africa on Tuesday in Abidjan, we will go to 11 points and be leader of this group which will be fantastic.

” As such, we are going to do everything  and make a surprise against South Africa , who on paper, are the favourites.”

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Meanwhile, the erstwhile Nigeria’s trainer, has commended the Super Eagles on their victory away to Rwanda on Friday, even as they welcome the Brave Warriors of Zimbabwe to Uyo on Tuesday.

“I saw the goals from Osimhen, wonderful congrats and I think Nigeria is on the right way also ( for the 2026 FIFA World Cup),” the former Bordeaux coach said.

“It would be very interesting games on Tuesday but I also think Zimbabwe has a very good team with a good coach (Michael Nees) from Germany.

” They (Brave Warriors) played well against us in Durban and they have some wonderful players too from England and Saudi Arabia.

“It may not be that easy for the Super Eagles,” he added.

Beninese contingent hits Durban

German coach  Gernot Rohr remains optimistic of the chances of  The Cheetahs as he arrived  Durban  with part of the  Beninese contingent  for  Thursday’s  2026  FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe .

Rwanda, South Africa and Benin are jointly dictating  the pace  in Group C  as the trio have  seven points each after the opening four matches  and  the former Nigeria’s trainer  believes  the Cheetahs in with a chance in  section that also houses the Super Eagles  who  are currently in fifth position. 

“It is really surprise that  we (Benin), Rwanda  and South Africa  are the leaders after the  four opening round of matches  in this tough Group C,” Rohr told NationSports  shortly after he landed in Durban yesterday.“ We won our two last games in Abidjan  and now we are going to play away (against Zimbabwe in Durban)  and   the next against South Africa in Abidjan on the 25^th of March.

“It may be a surprise  but we are here (top of Group C) and we want to stay here and to do even  better.”

Such optimism notwithstanding, Rohr, the erstwhile Bayern Munich defender,  said it  would be an interesting encounter  against  fourth-placed Zimbabwe under his German compatriot, Michael Nees.

 “We know it’s going to be difficult here in Durban against Zimbabwe who has also  qualified for the 2025 AFCON,” reckoned  Rohr who has also qualified  the Cheetahs  for 2025 AFCON. “They have a good German coach and I know him.

“Unfortunately, we are missing some players  especially in the central defence  and one of our best forwards  who is injured. But we shall try.”

Speaking on the  current  standings in Group C, Rohr  admitted  that the two  ‘heavyweights’, Nigeria and South Africa, remain  the favourites  but insisted nothing is guaranteed  until the end of the campaign in October.

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 “South Africa and Nigeria are the favourites in this Group C  and I quite agree,” he noted.

  “They can win the group when you look at the quality of their players even some  though of them are not even playing regularly (with their clubs) because they are not fit enough .

“You can say they are favourites especially south Africa, but we shall see but  for us, we are preparing well

“ We are already here in Durban with  some players already and more coming in tomorrow (today); so we have started preparations  already.

“ It was a long trip to Durban  and we had about six hour  stopover in Johannesburg before we connected to Durban but we are expecting  about four more players tonight (Sunday).”

Coach Gernot Rohr has named a formidable squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and South Africa later this month.

The 23-man squad list has Remo Stars goalkeeper Serge Obassa as well as captain Steve Mounie, Junior Olaitan, Tijani Mohamed and Dossou Jodel.

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Tosin Aiyegun and Cedric Houndtonji miss out due to injury, Olivier Verdon was sanctioned by Rohr, while Morocco-based defender Rabiou Sankamao and France-based Brandon Agounon have been recalled.

Atalanta striker Candas Fogbe has been handed his first-ever call-up.

Benin, who are third in Group C with seven points, are away to Zimbabwe on March 20, before they welcome South Africa to Abidjan five days later.