Media Team
Benin Republic’s head coach, Gernot Rohr, has voiced his discontent with refereeing decisions during his team’s heavy 4–0 loss to Nigeria in Uyo earlier this month, a result that dashed their hopes of securing a maiden World Cup appearance.
The October 14 encounter saw Napoli striker Victor Osimhen net a clinical hat-trick, while Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka added a fourth. Rohr, however, argued that two of Osimhen’s goals were contentious and should have been disallowed.
The opener came after Osimhen expertly anticipated Samuel Chukwueze’s incisive pass before slotting past Benin’s keeper. Rohr contended that the forward was offside—a call he believes VAR would have overturned if available.
Osimhen’s second, a towering header from close range, sparked further protests from Benin’s players, who claimed he fouled a defender in the aerial duel. The referee dismissed their appeals, allowing the goal to stand.
“Our biggest regrets stem from Nigeria’s first two goals in that crucial match. In my view, those decisions were incorrect and denied us fairness,” Rohr stated in an interview with CAFonline.
Despite the defeat, Rohr highlighted Benin’s resilience, finishing the qualifiers level with Nigeria on 17 points. “We were the sole team to defeat Nigeria in Abidjan, while they remained unbeaten elsewhere,” he noted proudly.
Nigeria edged ahead in the standings due to a recalculated points system following Eritrea’s withdrawal. The Super Eagles now prepare for a high-stakes playoff semifinal against Gabon in Morocco on November 13.
The victor will advance to face either Cameroon or DR Congo, with Africa’s sole intercontinental playoff berth—and a shot at World Cup qualification—on the line.
