Gernot Rohr Faces Major Setback Ahead of Benin Republic’s Clash With Nigeria’s Super Eagles

Gernot Rohr Faces Major Setback Ahead of Benin Republic’s Clash With Nigeria’s Super Eagles

Ero Samson
updated at May 30, 2024 at 12:21 PM
In this article:
Benin logo
Benin
Benin
54
Nigeria logo
Nigeria
Nigeria
21
Super Eagles logo
Super Eagles
South Africa
Rodez Aveyron logo
Rodez AF
France
25
Saint Etienne logo
Saint-Étienne
France
33
Rwanda logo
Rwanda
Rwanda
23
FIFA World Cup logo
FIFA World Cup
International
Andréas Hountondji logo
A. Hountondji
Burnley logoFFrance logo
  • Nigeria and Benin are poised to lock horns in the FIFA World Cup qualification series
  • The fixture is slated for the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Ivory Coast on June 10
  • Benin Republic coach has been dealt a huge blow ahead of the clash against Nigeria

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Gernot Rohr's quest to clinch victory with Benin Republic over Nigeria appears to have just gotten more challenging.

The German tactician, who was in charge of the Super Eagles for a period spanning over five years, has been vocal about the importance of his current side getting a victory over their West African neighbours.

Benin Republic, Nigeria, Andreas Hountondji, Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, World Cup.
Gernot Rohr's Benin Republic have been dealt a major setback following an injury suffered by Andreas Hountondji. Image: Norbert Barczyk.
Source: Getty Images

However, the septuagenarian's quest for a win against Finidi George's squad faces a significant setback following reports of an injury to their high-flying forward, Andreas Hountondji.

Rohr dealt fresh Hountondji injury blow

The 21-year-old forward, currently enjoying one of the best goalscoring seasons of his career, was forced off with an injury during the second half of the Ligue 1/Ligue 2 playoff match between his club, Rodez, and Saint-Étienne on May 24.

Upon further medical examination, a report courtesy of AllNigeriaSoccer stated that the forward had been diagnosed with a hamstring injury.

The report did not provide a potential return date for the forward but stated that he is now doubtful for the Cheetahs games against both Rwanda and the Super Eagles.

Hountondji, who has been in excellent form for Rodez, has contributed to 21 goals in his 39 appearances so far, according to data from Fotmob.

Under Rohr's guidance, Benin began preparing for the World Cup qualifiers on Monday, May 27. As of Wednesday, the third day of training, 17 of the invited players were in attendance.

Nigeria will face Benin's Cheetahs at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Ivory Coast on June 10, three days after their clash with South Africa in Uyo.

Rohr banking on four Nigerians to defeat Super Eagles

Sports Brief in another report stated Benin Republic coach, Rohr, is banking on four Nigerians to help secure a victory against the Super Eagles.

The German tactician has assembled a 25-man squad, which includes three Nigerian players and a Nigerian assistant coach. Both West African neighbours are set to clash on June 10 in Ivory Coast.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).