National Teams
“We deserved justice in Uyo” — Gernot Rohr slams officiating after Benin’s World Cup exit
By Dayo Awoniyi
Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has strongly criticised the officiating in his team’s 4–0 defeat to Nigeria in Uyo, claiming two controversial goals sealed their World Cup fate unfairly.
The October 14 loss ended Benin’s hopes of qualifying for their first-ever FIFA World Cup, with Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen netting a hat-trick in a dominant display. However, Rohr maintains that two of the Napoli striker’s goals should have been disallowed — and insists the absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology was decisive.
“Our only regrets concern the first two goals conceded in Nigeria in the decisive match,” Rohr told CAFonline. “These situations would have deserved, in my opinion, a different decision and would have allowed us to obtain more justice.”
Rohr pointed to what he claimed was an offside in Osimhen’s opener after a through ball from Samuel Chukwueze, while the second goal — a header just before the hour mark — came following a challenge that Benin players believed was a foul on their defender. Their protests were waved away by the referee.
Despite the defeat, Rohr praised his side’s campaign, calling it a breakthrough for Beninese football.
“We finished with 17 points — the same as Nigeria — which already constitutes a significant confidence boost,” he said. “We were the only team to beat Nigeria in Abidjan, while they remained undefeated in all other matches.”
Rohr, who previously coached Nigeria from 2016 to 2021, has transformed Benin into serious contenders during this qualifying cycle. Their 2–1 win over the Super Eagles in Abidjan remains one of the standout results of the campaign.
While Benin’s World Cup dream ends in disappointment, Nigeria now turn their attention to the playoff semifinals. The Super Eagles will face Gabon on November 13 in Morocco, with a potential final clash against either Cameroon or DR Congo for a place in the intercontinental playoffs.
