“We are the Underdogs” — Gernot Rohr on reunion with Nigeria

Nigeria should be expecting no favors from their former Head Coach, Gernot Rohr as they face Benin Republic, and if anything, the Super Eagles have to be wary of the outcome.

The Benin Republic head coach and former Super Eagles boss has stated that his team will enter Monday’s clash against Nigeria as underdogs but with the mentality to win.

The Squirrels host the Super Eagles at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Buoyed by their recent 1-0 victory over Rwanda, Benin Republic currently sits in third place with four points in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.

In contrast, Nigeria, yet to secure a win in the qualifiers, occupies fifth place following three consecutive draws. Despite this, Gernot Rohr remains confident in his team’s ability to challenge the Super Eagles.

“Nigeria is a great team. We are the underdogs but we will play tomorrow to win,” Rohr told reporters.

Rohr, who is well-acquainted with the Super Eagles, having served as their head coach from 2016 to 2021, led Nigeria to qualify for the 2019 and 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments.

This of course, should serve as a caution for Nigeria knowing how much a specialist Gernot Rohr is in qualifying rounds. A gamble in this game, stands the death of the Super Eagles’ ambitions for the 2026 World Cup.