'The atmosphere can be hostile' - Benin coach Rohr hints at game plan for WCQ against Nigeria

Benin coach Gernot Rohr has hinted at his team's tactical approach ahead of their 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Nigeria, acknowledging the difficult challenge of playing in Uyo.

The German tactician, who previously managed the Super Eagles, is preparing to lead the Cheetahs into what promises to be an intense encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Rohr is well aware of the charged atmosphere that often greets visiting teams in Nigeria, but insists his players must remain composed and focused on their game plan.

Currently sitting atop Group C in the World Cup qualifiers, the Cheetahs must avoid defeat against Nigeria to keep their qualification hopes alive, whether by securing top spot in the group or advancing through the inter-confederation playoffs.

"Yes, the atmosphere can obviously be hostile. But we will try to maintain a certain calm and serenity,” Rohr told Goal.com.

"On the pitch, this will translate into a desire to play the game. We will try to have good possession of the ball."

The former Nigeria boss added that his side will look to strike a balance between disciplined defending and swift attacking transitions.

"We have a game based on good defence, with counterattacks. This is what we will want to practice in Uyo," Rohr added. 

The Cheetahs have been training in Uyo since Saturday, following their arrival from Kigali, where they registered a hard-fought win over Rwanda's Wasps.

Nigeria suffered their only loss in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers to Benin in June 2024, despite Raphael Onyedika opening the scoring.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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