‘Shameful’ – Genot Rohr reveals what missing the 2026 World Cup will mean for Nigeria

Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has expressed concern over the possibility of Nigeria missing out on the 2026 World Cup, describing it as “shameful” if it were to happen.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are currently second from bottom in Group C, with just three points from four matches. The qualifying tournament will reach its halfway mark in March 2025.

Rohr, who now coaches Benin and recently led his team to a 2-1 victory over the Super Eagles, emphasized that Nigeria, with its wealth of talent, should not miss out on consecutive World Cups.

“If they miss another one, for such a football country with the best players in Africa, it would be a little bit shameful,” said Rohr. Benin currently tops the same qualifying group as Nigeria.

Rohr believes that the Super Eagles, despite their current position, still have a chance to qualify if they can rally together. “The players will do everything to go there (World Cup), and also the federation and the staff. But now, of course, they must be realistic and say that it’s only three points in four games,” he noted.

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The Super Eagles face a tough challenge to improve their standing in the qualifiers, but Rohr remains optimistic about their chances. “South Africa are number one, we have to be realistic. Number two can still be Nigeria if they all come together in good spirit with all the players highly motivated,” he said.

Rohr outlined the path to qualification: “They have to beat Lesotho, they can beat Rwanda, they can beat Zimbabwe, they should beat all these teams. And at home, they can beat Benin, but I think we also can beat Nigeria again.”

“So, if they win these four matches, it’s 12 points. And if they beat South Africa, I think they can still do it. But they have to beat South Africa in South Africa, which will not be easy.”

Rohr also highlighted Benin’s growing confidence and cohesion, which could pose a challenge for Nigeria. “For me, Benin also have a little chance because now the confidence is there and the team are together,” he concluded