Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic served the Super Eagles of Nigeria their first defeat in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in Côte d’Ivoire.
Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has mentioned three key players who could have made the difference in Nigeria’s final qualifier for the 2026 World Cup.
The Nigerian Eagles drew 1-1 with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana and lost to Benin Republic, further fading their hopes of qualifying for the next World Cup.
Nigeria was without the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Player of the Tournament, William Troost-Ekong, Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, and FC Nantes star, Simon Moses, who could have made the difference.
The German coach believes the three-time Africa Cup of Nations winners still have a chance to qualify and has named three key players who could make the difference in the final match.
“The group is still open, that’s true.
and only four points separate us with six games left to play.
It’s possible that in all the last games, there can be a decision in Uyo when we play Nigeria. It could be a final because the Super Eagles will come back. It was difficult for them without (Victor) Osihmen, (William) Ekong, and Moses Simon.
It’s a good team Finidi (George) has, and perhaps missing the very best players and Osihmen also, he can have some explanations for the defeat,” Rohr said, as reported by Umpire Sports.
After their poor performance so far in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers (three draws and one loss), the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations silver medallists managed only three points out of a possible 12.
They are currently without a manager and will be hoping that a new coach can lead them to their first qualifying win when they face Rwanda in their next match.
