Rohr Describes Rwanda and Nigeria Matches as Most Important in Benin’s Football History

Benin Republic head coach, Gernot Rohr, has underlined the importance of his team’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Nigeria.

The Cheetahs currently sit top of Group C, and good results in these two crucial games could bring them closer to their dream of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time.

Speaking ahead of Friday’s clash with Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, the experienced German coach said the matches are the most important in Benin’s football history.

“These matches against Rwanda and Nigeria are the two most important matches in the history of Benin, I think. The players are aware of that,” Rohr said during his pre-match press conference.

Rohr, who once managed the Super Eagles of Nigeria, has been working hard to build confidence and discipline within his team as they continue their quest for a historic World Cup qualification.

Benin previously defeated Nigeria 2-1 in June 2024 — Nigeria’s only loss in the qualifying campaign — despite the three-time African champions taking an early lead through Raphael Onyedika.

The Super Eagles will face Benin again on October 14 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, in what promises to be another thrilling Group C encounter.