2025 AFCONQ: Augustine Eguavoen upbeat about Super Eagles chances over Cheetahs despite Rohr familiarity

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Former coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s national team, Gernot Rohr will try to inflict Super Eagles with their first loss under coach Augustine Eguavoen latest stint in charge.

Eguavoen has taken charge of the last four games with three wins including the on against Libya which was awarded without kicking the ball due to hostilities of the opponents.

A 0-0 draw with Rwanda was the only dent on the former Super Eagles defender’s record.

Benin Republic under Rohr has defeated the three time African champions 2-1 but under Finidi George who was briefly in charge during 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

“We have worked with Gernot for so many years. He was our head coach. Very good coach no doubt,” Eguavoen said during pre match press conference.

Rohr qualified Super Eagles for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and led the team to third place at 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

He was relieved of his duties ahead of 2020 AFCON in Cameroon with Eguavoen taking charge.

“He knows us in and out. He is part of us and we know him in and out. We know what he is capable of but Nigeria is a country you don’t toil with,” He added.

“We respect, play with the mindset of winning games but it is easier said than done. We fight for every ball and point and that is what we want to do.

“Benin Republic is not pushover but we will work hard to ensure that we achieve our objectives.” He concluded.

Victory over the Cheetahs will render Monday’s concluding 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Rwanda, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, an academic session, with only the visitors keen to try and get something out of the clash while the Eagles play for sheer pride.