'We'll sink them' - Benin midfielder vows to take down Super Eagles after rejection by Nigeria

Republic of Benin midfielder Junior Olaitan has fired a warning ahead of October's Fifa World Cup qualifier against Nigeria, insisting that the Cheetahs will 'sink' the Super Eagles when both sides meet again in Uyo.

Olaitan was born in Porto-Novo to a Beninese mother and Nigerian father and was eligible to represent the Super Eagles but opted to commit his international future to the Cheetahs despite growing up in Nigeria.

The Grenoble ace has become a key figure under Gernot Rohr, having started the last ten competitive matches contested by the Cheetahs.

"Nigeria is my home, Benin is my home. Here home, there home, so I feel comfortable everywhere," Olaitan told The Punch.

Olaitan admitted that his decision to represent Benin's national team was born out of frustration with the lack of opportunities in Nigeria.

"Yes, that is kind of true because my mom is from Benin. When I wanted to play for the U17s, I was not chanced," he explained. 

"I don't want to go into the details that they gave me but thank God that I made Benin my team and I am happy to play for Benin."

Olaitan has now faced Nigeria three times in competitive fixtures over the past year. 

In their most recent clash, he played a crucial role by providing an assist in the 1-1 draw at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, a result that helped the Cheetahs qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

"It was a great game. I had an opportunity to score but I missed the chance. We played 1-1. 

"Thank God we didn't lose. We still have one game in Uyo in October, so looking forward to that game, and we'll see what happens. We are going to sink them.

"When we play against the Super Eagles, they are from Nigeria, I am the only one from Benin. I do my job. 

"They are happy to watch me play every time against the Super Eagles."

Olaitan reserved high praise for Benin coach Gernot Rohr, who did not hand him a a call-up to the Super Eagles during his stint with Nigeria.

"Gernot Rohr is a good coach, he's like a father to me. He let me have more confidence in the team than before, he's a good man."

Ahead of the resumption of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in September, Nigeria are sitting fourth in Group C with seven points, one less than Benin.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: Instagram

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