Benin Republic head coach, Gernot Rohr, has expressed his belief that Nigeria was fortunate to escape with a draw during their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Thursday night.
The match, played at the Stade de l’Amitié in Cotonou, ended 1-1, with both teams delivering an intense performance.
Benin took an early lead in the 16th minute when Mohamed Tijani found the back of the net, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by the Super Eagles.
However, Nigeria’s talisman, Victor Osimhen, salvaged a point for the visitors with a crucial equalizer in the 81st minute.
Addressing the press after the match, Rohr, who previously managed the Nigerian national team, reflected on the outcome.
“It was a fair result. But we were unlucky because we had the better chances and organization to win the game. Nigeria is not a team that is easy to beat. But if we had taken the chances we had with scores at 1-0, maybe the result would have been different.”
The draw keeps both teams in contention for qualification, with the Super Eagles leading their group and the Squirrels of Benin maintaining hopes of securing a spot in the tournament.
The final round of fixtures will be crucial in determining their fates as fans eagerly await the next chapter of this competitive rivalry.
