'Serious injury' - Gernot Rohr reveals Croatian-based winger likely to miss Nigeria v Benin WCQ

Manager Gernot Rohr has confirmed that Crown Legacy loanee Rodolfo Aloko is all but ruled out of October's 2026 World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Benin in Uyo.

The Croatian-based winger suffered an injury during the second half of the Cheetah's 4-0 win over Lesotho on matchday eight of the World Cup qualifiers on September 9.

The NK Kustosija forward is set to undergo surgery in the coming days and will be sidelined for several weeks, ruling him out of Benin's forthcoming fixtures against Rwanda's Wasps and Nigeria's Super Eagles. 

Aloko has been described as a promising, versatile forward with excellent physical ability and an exceptionally strong work ethic.

Speaking on local television station Canal 3 Benin, via Afrique Sports, Rohr confirmed: "Unfortunately, we have a more serious injury, that of Rodolfo. He has a meniscus injury and needs surgery. 

"He will likely miss the upcoming matches in October. It's sad news because he was improving, with two very convincing performances."

Benin could move level on 14 points with provisional Group C leaders South Africa before the final rounds of qualifiers, with Bafana Bafana expected to be docked three points for fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena in their March fixture against Lesotho.

Nigeria are also dealing with injury concerns ahead of the World Cup qualifiers in October, with Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina sidelined following hamstring surgery and Victor Osimhen battling to shake off the ankle problem he sustained on matchday seven against Rwanda.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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