'I called up Osimhen, made Ekong captain after Mikel' - Rohr insists he has the lowdown on Nigeria

Ahead of his side's crucial 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Benin coach Gernot Rohr has highlighted the key decisions he made during his time in charge of the Super Eagles.

Of the twenty-one players available for selection in Tuesday's decisive encounter, Rohr was responsible for handing international debuts to six, including Victor Osimhen, Semi Ajayi, Frank Onyeka, Samuel Chukwueze, Zaidu Sanusi and Terem Moffi.

The German tactician insists that his prior experience gives him a unique insight into Nigeria's playing style, having managed the Super Eagles for five years before his departure just weeks before the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

As the World Cup qualifying campaign reaches its climax, Benin sit atop Group C following South Africa's unexpected draw against Zimbabwe and their loss of points for fielding an ineligible player Teboho Mokoena.

Rohr expressed both excitement and confidence ahead of today's encounter, stressing that his familiarity with several Nigerian players could prove decisive.

In quotes relayed by L'Equipe, he said: "I know this team well, I put Troost-Ekong as captain after Obi Mikel, I called Osimhen for the first time. I still know Iwobi, Ndidi, Simon, Chukweze... 

"It will be a fantastic moment. We were greatly underestimated and we remain the underdogs. 

"It will be a match to experience and not forget. It will take a feat, but we hold the cards." 

Since taking charge of Benin, Rohr has faced the Super Eagles three times within the past year, recording one win, one draw and one defeat. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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