'Our only regret' - Gernot Rohr cries foul over Osimhen's first half goals against Benin

Benin head coach Gernot Rohr has expressed regret over his team's 4-0 defeat to Nigeria in the final match of the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers, highlighting the first half goals by Victor Osimhen as decisive moments that shaped the outcome. 

Rohr suggested that those goals may have denied Benin a fair result.

Speaking to CAF Online, Rohr reflected on Benin’s overall qualification campaign, emphasizing the team’s growth and resilience. 

"I think it can indeed serve as a springboard, especially as a rich experience,” Rohr said. 

"We finished with 17 points, as many as Nigeria, which already constitutes a significant confidence boost. 

"We were the only team to beat Nigeria in Abidjan, while they remained undefeated in all other matches.”

Despite the positive aspects of the campaign, Rohr’s attention turned to the decisive match in Nigeria, where he questioned the legitimacy of Osimhen's first two goals. 

There was a suggestion of offside in the build-up to the third minute opener, though television replays proved inconclusive, and Cheetahs fans argued that a foul was committed before Osimhen headed home in the 37th minute.

"Our only regrets concern the first two goals conceded in Nigeria in the decisive match. 

"These situations would have deserved, in my opinion, a different decision and would have allowed us to obtain more justice,” Rohr added.

Benin's journey through the qualifiers included notable highlights, most prominently their historic victory over Nigeria in Abidjan. 

Finishing level on points with the Super Eagles reflected the team’s strong performance over the course of the campaign. 

However, the 4-0 defeat in the final game left a disappointing end to their qualifying run.

Nigeria, under the guidance of Eric Chelle, produced a commanding performance in the decisive encounter. Victor Osimhen emerged as the standout player, scoring a hat-trick, while Frank Onyeka contributed the fourth goal, completing the emphatic victory. 

The result allowed Nigeria to maintain an unbeaten record in the qualifiers aside from their 2-1 loss in Abidjan. With the win, Nigeria secured their place in the continental playoffs against Gabon.

Wale Adejumo

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com