‘These situations deserved a different decision’ — Rohr suggests Nigeria cheated Benin to reach World Cup playoffs

Benin Republic coach Gernot Rohr has accused Nigeria of benefiting from questionable officiating during their World Cup qualifier earlier this month.

The German tactician believes two of Victor Osimhen’s goals in the 4–0 defeat were unfairly allowed to stand, effectively ending Benin’s World Cup dream.

The October 14 clash in Uyo saw Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen score a hat-trick to hand Nigeria a resounding win. But Rohr insists the first two goals came under suspicious circumstances that might have been overturned if VAR were available.

“Our only regrets concern the first two goals conceded in Nigeria in the decisive match. These situations would have deserved, in my opinion, a different decision and would have allowed us to obtain more justice,” Rohr told CAFonline.

Osimhen’s opener came after he latched onto a through ball from Samuel Chukwueze, a move Rohr claims should have been flagged offside.

Minutes later, the striker added a second with a towering header that Benin players protested, alleging a foul in the build-up.

The referee ignored their appeals, and the goal stood despite the injured defender staying down for several minutes.

Rohr’s side finished level on 17 points with Nigeria but missed out due to CAF’s points weighting system following Eritrea’s withdrawal.

“We finished with 17 points, as many as Nigeria, which already constitutes a significant confidence boost,” Rohr said. The coach took pride in Benin’s progress, noting, “We were the only team to beat Nigeria in Abidjan, while they remained undefeated in all other matches.”

Despite the heartbreak, Benin’s impressive run under Rohr has drawn respect as the German tactician took the little-known team to heights they have scarcely known.

Meanwhile, Nigeria advance to a playoff clash against Gabon in Morocco on November 13, with hopes of booking Africa’s final World Cup playoff spot.