2026 World Cup playoffs – Nigeria vs Gabon: Gernot Rohr backs the Super Eagles
With just days to go until the Nigeria vs Gabon showdown, part of the African playoffs for the 2026 World Cup, Benin’s coach, Gernot Rohr, voiced his support for the Super Eagles, convinced they have what it takes to clinch qualification.
Gernot Rohr, sélectionneur national du Bénin
Ahead of the African playoffs for the 2026 World Cup, the former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr showed his support for his old team. The Franco-German coach, now in charge of the Benin national team, firmly believes in Nigeria’s chances in this mini qualifying tournament.
Éric Chelle’s men will have to battle to secure the single spot on offer against strong opponents: Gabon, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nigeria will face Gabon’s Panthers on Thursday, November 13, at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat. In the other semi-final, Cameroon will take on the Congolese Leopards at El Barid Stadium.
Speaking to Brila FM, Gernot Rohr did not hide his admiration for the quality of Nigeria’s talent pool: “The Super Eagles have a huge number of talented players, especially in attack. We tried to beat them, but it’s not easy,” he admitted. “We managed to surprise them in the qualifiers, a result we’re proud of, but for these playoffs, I sincerely wish them to qualify.”
Gernot Rohr, who managed Nigeria between 2016 and 2021, therefore still feels a special attachment to a national team with which he enjoyed his greatest successes on the continent. His message of support resonates as a sign of respect toward a team he still considers one of the continent’s most formidable.