Head coach of the Benin Republic national team, Gernot Rohr, has disclosed the tactical approach his side will adopt when they face the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Tuesday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
The Franco-German tactician, who once managed the Nigerian national team, acknowledged that the atmosphere in Uyo could be “hostile”, but said his players are mentally prepared to handle the pressure.
Rohr, now leading the Cheetahs to one of their best qualification runs in recent history, said his team will play with calmness, composure, and tactical discipline as they aim to secure at least a draw — a result that would keep them in contention for a historic World Cup berth.
“Yes, the atmosphere can obviously be hostile. But we will try to maintain a certain calm and serenity,” Rohr told Goal.
“On the pitch, this will translate into a desire to play the game. We will try to have good possession of the ball. We have a game based on good defence, with counterattacks. This is what we will want to practice in Uyo.”
Benin Republic currently sit top of Group C with 17 points, ahead of South Africa (15 points) and Nigeria (14 points). The team arrived in Uyo on Saturday following their 1-0 win over Rwanda on Friday, which kept them in pole position.
For Rohr, who previously guided Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup and a third-place finish at AFCON 2019, Tuesday’s clash carries both professional and emotional significance.
The match promises to be an intense contest, as the Super Eagles — led by Eric Chelle — must secure a victory to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.
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