Gernot Rohr Explains Why Super Eagles Lost to Rwanda After Benin’s Libyan Airport Ordeal

Gernot Rohr Explains Why Super Eagles Lost to Rwanda After Benin’s Libyan Airport Ordeal

  • The Super Eagles of Nigeria wrapped up their AFCON 2025 qualifier campaign in a disappointing way
  • Nigeria capitulated and conceded two late goals to lose 2-1 to Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium
  • Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has explained why his former team lost at home on the final day

The Super Eagles of Nigeria ended their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign embarrassingly, and former coach Gernot Rohr thinks he knows why.

Nigeria conceded two late goals to lose to Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo in the final game of the qualifying series.

Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Osimhen, Gabriel Osho, Wilfred Ndidi, Calvin Bassey, William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, Stanley Nwabali, Bruno Onyemaechi, Ademola Lookman, Nigeria, Benin Republic, Ivory Coast.
Super Eagles stars pose for team photo before their 1-1 draw against Benin Republic. Photo by Sia Kambou/AFP.
Source: Getty Images

CAF noted that the result nearly impacted Benin Republic’s chances, as it could have meant they missed out on the tournament if Libya had scored a goal.

Nigeria and Benin went through to the tournament in Morocco while Rwanda agonisingly missed out due to goal difference and head to head record against the Cheetahs.

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Ex Libyan goalkeeper accuses Nigeria of sabotage during AFCON 2025 qualifier

Rohr speaks on Nigeria's loss

Benin Republic coach and former manager of the Nigerian national team Gernot Rohr has claimed to know why the three-time African champions lost in Uyo.

“I know this team well from having coached them. They sometimes tend to take their foot off the gas when they think they have qualified,” he said in a live session with Canal+.
“This can give their opponents the opportunity to spring a surprise, as was the case with Rwanda. Fortunately, we beat Rwanda 3-0 at home, which made the difference.”

Nigerians share the same opinion as the German manager, claiming their national team players turned up poorly because they had nothing to play for.

Rohr was attacked in Libya by a policeman hours after his team were held hostage at the Tripoli International Stadium, a similar experience to the Super Eagles last month.

Rohr slams CAF after arriving in Libya

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Gernot Rohr shows scar after Libya assaulted Benin Republic team at Tripoli Stadium, video

Legit.ng previously reported that Gernot Rohr called out CAF after arriving at Libyan airport with his Benin Republic players for the crucial AFCON 2025 qualifier match.

The German head coach claimed he is surprised that CAF could allow the North Africans to host a match at home after the Super Eagles' hostage ordeal a month ago.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Elijah Odetokun avatar

Elijah Odetokun (Sports Editor) Elijah Odetokun is a Nigerian sports editor at Legit.ng. He has four years of working experience and holds a Bachelor of Agriculture from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and a Diploma in Freelance and Sports Writing from the London School of Journalism. Email: elijah.odetokun@sportsbrief.com