Rohr: We are starting AFCON 2025 qualifiers with the most difficult match in Uyo’

Gernot Rohr may have led his Republic of Benin Cheetahs to a rare victory against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Abidjan last June, but the former Nigeria manager believes he is up against a formidable team in their opening qualifying group game for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Rohr told the media at the General Mathieu Kerekou stadium while unveiling his list of 25 players for the games against Nigeria and Libya that his players will have to be at their best when they face the Super Eagles on September 7 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.

‘We start with the most difficult match against a team that, as we have seen from their list, has a lot of great players. They will all be there this time. (Victor) Osimhen will be there, William Troost-Ekong, who was named best player of the 2023 AFCON. So, we will really have the best of African football in front of us,’ he said.

Rohr also explained his invitation of two clubless players for the games. Satumin Allagbe and Jordel Dossou are currently without a club.

Meanwhile, the Cheetahs are in Côte d’Ivoire preparing for the game against Nigeria.

The camp opened on Sunday with several internationals present.