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Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has revealed that the Cheetahs will be wary of Nigeria's Super Eagles when they meet on Saturday.
Nigeria's Super Eagles are gearing up to face off against the Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, marking the first match of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Despite a recent coaching shake-up, with Augustine Eguavoen as interim boss, the Super Eagles are still favourites to win at home.
However, Benin will be no pushovers after their impressive 2-1 victory over Nigeria in June during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
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10:52 - 05.09.2024
Victor Osimhen: Super Eagles star arrives Nigeria, set to link up with squad in Uyo
Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen has landed in Nigeria ahead of the AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
Gernot Rohr says Benin scared of Osimhen, Troost, others
Benin boss Gernot Rohr isn't buying into the hype, though.
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"Nigeria is not a conquered territory, far from it," he says. "We beat Nigeria three months ago, they will certainly have a spirit of revenge which can be important and that's normal."
Rohr acknowledges that Nigeria's squad is stronger now, with the addition of key players like Captain William Troost-Emong, Ola Aina, and Victor Osimhen, who missed the June clash.
"They didn't have some players who are there now: Ekong, the captain, Osimhen who will be there this time, he wasn't there last time, so It will be a stronger team than the one we beat in June in Abidjan."
Despite the challenges, Rohr remains optimistic about Benin's chances.
"We are wary. In addition, at home, they have the obligation to get a result now after a series of draws or even defeats.
"There was another change of coach, that's it, so we will prepare well."
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