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RMA
AFCON 2025
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Ex-Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is proving Nigeria wrong. His Benin side crushed Lesotho in FIFA World Cup qualifying, overtaking Nigeria and chasing South Africa for top spot.
Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is fighting hard to make history, this time with Benin’s national team in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Rohr’s Cheetahs crushed Lesotho on Tuesday night, pushing past Nigeria in the standings and closing in on group leaders South Africa.
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22:58 - 09.09.2025
Explainer: How Nigeria can qualify for the World Cup after draw against South Africa
Comprehensive analysis of the Super Eagles' chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after the disappointing draw against South Africa.
Rohr’s Benin side are now second in the group with 14 points, just three behind South Africa, who retained top spot following a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Nigeria earlier the same day.
The Nigeria vs. South Africa clash was a tense encounter. South Africa took the lead early when Nigerian defender Troost-Ekong deflected a left-wing cross into his own net.
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Nigeria responded before halftime through Bassey, who finished from close range after a fine assist by Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
Both teams created chances in the second half, but South Africa’s solid defence, backed by a passionate home crowd, held firm for the draw.
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This result keeps South Africa favourites for the automatic World Cup spot, while Nigeria, who needed a win, must now aim for perfect results in their remaining games to keep play-off hopes alive.
Meanwhile, Rohr’s Benin seized the opportunity in superb fashion, to move up the table in Group C.
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After a delayed kickoff, Benin dominated Lesotho with a ruthless attacking display, netting four goals scored by four different players.
Three goals came in the first half, setting the tone early. Junior Olaitan came off the bench to seal the emphatic victory.
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With two matches left, Rohr’s impact is clear as Benin challenges for qualification, pushing Nigeria aside and closing the gap on South Africa at the top.
Nigerians Regret
Following the win, reactions have flooded social media from Nigerians, who appear to regret the decision to let the Franco-German coach go.
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"Since Gernot Rohr left, things have not been the same. Hopefully, he gets Benin to the World Cup," one stated on X.
"Gernot Rohr has won more games with the Benin Republic in these qualifiers than the 3 coaches hired by Nigeria, combined," another added.