Benin Republic’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time were dashed on Tuesday as the Super Eagles ran out 4-0 winners at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The home side’s victory was powered by a hat-trick from Victor Osimhen and a clinical finish from Frank Onyeka, leaving Benin’s team, the Cheetahs, unable to mount a comeback.
Speaking after the match, Benin coach Gernot Rohr acknowledged that Nigeria’s quality and squad depth made the difference.
“They started with a goal in the third minute. I don’t know whether it’s offside or not. We had to build a new defence because of the yellow cards,” Rohr said.
“Today, we are a little bit disappointed because the dream of going to the World Cup is finished… To win in Nigeria when Nigeria is also playing for the playoffs is something very difficult, especially if you miss two suspended players from the last game in Rwanda and three injured players from the September games.”
Rohr praised his young squad, noting the challenges of fielding players from lower-tier leagues but expressing pride in their efforts throughout the qualifiers.
“We don’t have enough high-level players. We have some players who are playing in the fifth division in France, but I’m proud of my team. They did well in these qualifiers, and we could hope until the last game to go there. That is why I’m happy to be the coach of this team. It is a young team still learning.”
The veteran German coach, who once managed Nigeria’s national team, also lauded Victor Osimhen, recalling that he gave the striker his senior international debut at just 17.
“We tried, but when you have such a good player like Osimhen… I remember when I brought him into the team, he was 17. I am very happy to see him like that, but I’m not happy he did it against me. I hope he can do it in the playoffs for your country, which I love.”
The Super Eagles’ emphatic win keeps their World Cup playoff hopes alive, while Benin now bows out of contention, ending what had been a promising qualifying campaign.