Ahead of the eagerly awaited next month’s FIFA World Cup 26 qualifier between Republic of Benin and Nigeria, erstwhile Super Eagles‘ coach Gernot Rohr has declared that no quarter would be given by his Cheetahs when both neighbouring countries meet in Abidjan.
Both Nigeria and Benin are down in the ladder in Group C behind Rwanda and South Africa after an indifferent start in their opening two matches. While third-placed Super Eagles took only two points after an identical 1-1 draw against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, bottom-placed Cheetahs amassed just one point after a 2-1 loss to South Africa and a goalless draw to Lesotho, hence the two sides will be hard pressed for good results on Matchday 3 and 4.
New Super Eagles coach Finidi George at his unveiling penultimate Monday in Abuja has boasted about his desire to take the available six points off both South Africa and Benin in the double headers.
But Rohr, who last qualified Nigeria for Russia 2018, believes George’s stance could be likened to the common saying that ‘if wishes were horses, beggars would ride’, adding that The Cheetahs will be at the ready for the Super Eagles.
“Of course, we (Benin) are preparing our list for the game in June,” Rohr told Nationsport days after taking part in an exhibition match along with French greats Alain Giresse, Zinedine Zidane, amongst others, in the Centenary celebration of Bordeaux. “It’s normal for George to say he wants to win his two games, but everybody wants to win their games. I know South Africa won’t be easy for Nigeria in Uyo and they will also come to face us (unfortunately for us not in Cotonou) but in Abidjan for their second match.”
But after holding African champions, Cote d’ivoire, to a 2-2 draw and a narrow 1-0 loss to Sadio Mane’s Senegal during the international window in March, Rohr reckoned that his side will be at the ready for the Super Eagles.
“We did two good friendlies against Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal in March and we should be ready; we are just waiting for the end of the leagues and I’m sure in about two weeks’ time, our definitive list for the two matches will be ready.
“Though we are going to be opponents, it will be another opportunity to see my friends, because football, first and foremost, is about relationships and friendships.
“There will be emotions but we are professionals; and everybody has to do his job,” Rohr, who will be 71 on June 28, noted.
FIFA World Cup 26: South Africa, Benin won’t be easy for Super Eagles, says Rohr
