William Troost-Ekong says Super Eagles are ready to face Genot Rohr’s Benin Republic
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has dismissed concerns about facing former coach Gernot Rohr as Nigeria prepares to meet the Benin Republic in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier this Saturday.
The match will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, and the stakes are high for the Super Eagles, who are looking to improve their form after recent struggles.
Nigeria’s national team has come under scrutiny, having won only once in their last five games. Their most recent victory was against long-time rivals Ghana, while they suffered losses to Mali and Benin and drew with South Africa. Despite this, Troost-Ekong remains optimistic about the team’s readiness and downplayed any pressure of playing against Rohr, who managed Nigeria from 2016 to 2021.
In a media session on Wednesday, Troost-Ekong highlighted the responsibility of the players in achieving success. “I think it is our job. The coach adds to the team and organises the team, but the responsibility is the players,” Troost-Ekong stated. He added, “We’re ready for the game. Playing against Gernot Rohr, a coach that knows us very well, but we’ll be ready for the game.”
Rohr’s familiarity with the Super Eagles’ tactics and players might give Benin an advantage, but Troost-Ekong expressed confidence that Nigeria will rise to the occasion. This will mark the first time Troost-Ekong faces Rohr since the German coach’s departure from the Nigerian national team in 2021.
The Super Eagles are also looking to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Benin in June, a result that contributed to the dismissal of former coach Finidi George. Now under the leadership of interim coach Austin Eguavoen, the team is eager to turn things around and secure a much-needed victory in Uyo.
With star players like Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi available for selection, Troost-Ekong and the Super Eagles will be aiming to return to winning ways and strengthen their chances of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON tournament.
