The Super Eagles will need to dig deep in their quest to overpower Coach Gernot Rohr and his Benin Republic team as Match Day 4 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers takes place on Monday in Abidjan.
Gernot Rohr ‘Constructs Special Cage’ for Eagles in Abidjan
– Benin Republic beats Rwanda 1-0
– Lesotho defeats Zimbabwe 2-0
The Super Eagles face a challenging task in their upcoming match against Gernot Rohr’s Benin Republic on Monday in Abidjan, as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
On Thursday night, Benin Republic defeated Group C leaders Rwanda 1-0 in Abidjan, their adopted home ground, moving ahead of South Africa and Nigeria in the group standings. This victory preceded the Super Eagles’ draw with South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Gernot Rohr, a former coach of the Super Eagles, saw his team’s win temporarily alter the Group C table, pushing Benin from fourth to second place. Before the match against Rwanda, Rohr emphasized their focus on “caging” the Super Eagles on Monday to enhance their chances of securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Benin’s decisive goal against Rwanda came in the 37th minute through Douko Dodo. Both Rwanda and Benin Republic now have four points, but Rwanda holds a better goal difference. This result could benefit Nigeria if the Super Eagles manage to win their game in Abidjan.
Meanwhile, Group C saw another twist as Lesotho took the lead after defeating Zimbabwe 2-0 in Johannesburg. Lesotho’s goals came from Rethabile Rasethuntsa in the 21st minute and Jane Thabantso 10 minutes later.
This outcome pushed Nigeria to fifth place in the six-team group before their match against South Africa in Uyo.
Earlier on Match Day 3, other notable matches included Guinea upsetting Algeria in Algiers, Ghana coming from behind to edge Mali in Bamako, Senegal being held to a draw by DR Congo, and Egypt overcoming Burkina Faso with a brace by their forward.
