Interim Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen has issued a warning to Gernot Rohr as Nigeria prepares for a high-stakes 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin Republic on Thursday, November 13, at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
The match holds added intrigue as it marks the third time former Super Eagles coach Rohr will face his old team after his departure in 2020.
Rohr, now in charge of Benin Republic, has had mixed results in his previous encounters with Nigeria. In June 2024, Benin stunned Nigeria with a 2-1 victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on this very ground under Finidi George.
However, the Super Eagles exacted revenge later that year in Uyo, trouncing Benin 3-0 under the leadership of Interim coach Augustine Eguavoen.
Super Eagles interim coach, Austin Eguavoen fires warning to Gernot Rhor ahead of AFCON qualifier in Abidjan.
“Nigeria is not a country you toy with” pic.twitter.com/ikdgWTBrxr
— The Athletic NG (@TheAthleticNG) November 14, 2024
Ahead of Thursday’s match, Eguavoen sent a clear message to his former colleague, saying, “He (Gernot Rohr) knows us in and out, he’s part of us. And we know him inside out, we know what he’s capable of, but you know Nigeria is not a country you toy with.”
READ MORE: Nigeria vs Benin Republic: Super Eagles seek victory in Abidjan
Eguavoen’s statement highlights the high stakes for both teams—Nigeria, aiming to assert their dominance, and Benin, looking to build on their surprise win earlier this year.
Nigeria have been unbeaten in their last six AFCON qualifiers, winning five and keeping five clean sheets.
On the other hand, Benin has lost their last three AFCON qualifiers against Nigeria, failing to score in their last two matches. However, they did win their previous match against Rwanda with a score of 2-1.
With both teams fighting for qualification, Nigeria needs just one point to seal their place in Morroco as they’re on 10 points, Benin stays 2nd with 6 points followed closely by Rwanda on 5 points, and Libya rock bottom with 1 point in Group D.
The Matchday 5 battle in Abidjan, Kickoff is at 8pm local time.
