Gernot Rohr: Former Nigeria manager begins journey as Benin Republic head coach

Newly appointed head coach of Benin Republic, Gernot Rohr begins life with his new West African side as he confirmed the term of his contract and salary structure.

Rohr’s vast experience in African football will come in handy in tinkering with the fortune of the hard-pressed Cheetahs of Benin after his five-year stint with the Super Eagles.

After years of struggling as the Squirrels, the Beninese football body opted for a more intimidating nickname – Cheetahs – with their new coach set to ordain the new era.

The German coach has in recent years managed clubs and countries in Niger, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Tunisia, and most recently, Nigeria.

His time with the Nigeria national team saw the  Super Eagles qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Egypt 2019 after missing out on two previous editions held in Equatorial Guinea in 2015 and in 2017 in Gabon.

He also took the Nigerian side to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia where the three-time African champions nearly reached the knockout stage but for the loss against Lionel Messi–led Argentina in their final group match.

To achieve similar greatness with the Cheetahs, Rohr has now called on veteran Stefan Ssesegnon for the back-to-back 2023 AFCON qualifiers against Rwanda later this month.

“Sèssègnon will guide the young players. We still need him and his experience,” Rohr told the local media.

“The contract is for 3 years, I will earn half of what I earned in Nigeria because I don’t come for money.

The national coach of the Guépards, has announced the roster list of 26 players selected for the double confrontation against Rwanda on March 22 and 27, 2023.

Benin Republic will face Amavubi of Rwanda in matchdays 3 and 4 of the 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifier in March.