'I experienced this with Nigeria' - Rohr tells FBF what needs to be done for Cheetahs to play in WC

Republic of Benin head coach Gernot Rohr has urged the Benin Football Federation (FBF) to improve travel logistics if the Cheetahs hope to qualify for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

After six matches in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Cheetahs sit third in the standings with eight points, following a draw with Zimbabwe and loss against Bafana Bafana in the March internationals.

Drawing from his experience with Nigeria, Rohr emphasized that proper planning is crucial for success on the global stage.

The German football tactician was in the Super Eagles dugout during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where the three-time African champions were four minutes away from reaching the last sixteen, only for Argentina's Marcos Rojo to score the game-winning goal after Victor Moses equalized from the spot.

Rohr pointed out significant issues with the Cheetahs current travel arrangements, describing them as chaotic. 

He revealed that some players received their tickets just twenty four hours before departure, causing unnecessary disruptions ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in Durban. 

"Some players had to buy their own tickets because they weren't validated," Rohr told national radio station BIP Radio Cotonou, via Footboom.

"They went to the ticket office, and the ticket wasn't valid, so they had to pay for it themselves - Yohan Roche, Andreas Hountondji."

He continued: "We have a real problem with travel arrangements. If you want to play in the World Cup—I experienced this with Nigeria—good travel conditions are essential. It all starts there."

The Super Eagles will play against Benin in their final 2026 World Cup qualifying match in October 2025.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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