Rohr Tells Benin FA to Fix Travel Issues for World Cup Hopes
Republic of Benin head coach, Gernot Rohr, has called on the Benin Football Federation (FBF) to improve the team’s travel plans if they want to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
After six games in Group C, the Cheetahs are currently third with eight points. They recently drew with Zimbabwe and lost to South Africa in the March international break.
Rohr, who once managed Nigeria, stressed that good preparation is key to success at the highest level. He led the Super Eagles to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where they nearly reached the knockout stage but lost to Argentina after a late goal.
Speaking on national radio, Rohr said the Benin team’s recent travel to Durban for the match against Zimbabwe was badly organised. He revealed that some players only got their tickets a day before the trip, and others had to pay for their own flights.
“Some players had to buy their own tickets because the ones they were given didn’t work,” Rohr told BIP Radio Cotonou. “They went to the airport, but the tickets were not valid. Yohan Roche and Andreas Hountondji had to pay for their own.”
The German coach warned that poor travel arrangements could ruin Benin’s chances of reaching the World Cup.
“If you want to play at the World Cup—and I’ve been there with Nigeria—you must have proper travel plans. That’s where it all begins,” he added.
Benin will face Nigeria in their final group match in October 2025.
