AFCON 2025: Benin Republic can beat Nigeria again, claims Gernot Rohr

Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has claimed that the Squirrels can defeat Nigeria’s Super Eagles when both sides face off in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Rohr who managed the Eagles between 2016 and 2021 led the Squirrels to their first-ever competitive win over his former side in the first leg of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on June 10. Though both sides are still going to meet for the second leg of the clash in Nigeria, the AFCON 2025 draws announced on Thursday placed both countries in the same group yet again.

They were drawn in Group D of the AFCON qualifiers alongside Rwanda, Benin, and Libya where only two teams will qualify after the proceedings.

“It’s a difficult draw because there’s Nigeria again,” Rohr said. And we have Rwanda, an adversary we know well and of whom we are wary. There is also Libya who have a good team, it will be a difficult trip there.

“Another reunion with Nigeria. That’s going to be three more games with them [including the upcoming second leg, counting for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers]. It’s a reunion against a very good team. But we gained confidence and we know we can beat them.

“Yes, we have Nigeria and Rwanda in our group again. It’s always a pleasure to meet my friends from Nigeria, many of whom I have coached. It’s a good moment to see people you love.”

The 71-year-old admitted that the 2026 WCQ first-leg victory over Nigeria was partly due to the three-time African champions’ injury crisis, and expects tougher encounters in their subsequent meetings. “We managed to win in Abidjan, but we know they missed some key players like Osimhen,” he added.

“It will be very difficult to win the first match in Nigeria, but I hope we can at least finish second in this group.

“Benin didn’t participate twice before I came here, but now we have to aim for the first or second position.

“I don’t know if CAF made the draw to not go too far, but we have to take it as it comes. We will be happy to play against Nigeria again.”

The 2025 AFCON qualifiers are expected to run from September to November 2024, while Morocco will host the qualified nations from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.