Benin Coach, Gernot Rohr Predicts Nigeria Vs Gabon World Cup Playoff Clash

04 Nov 2025, 16:50 by Ernest Victor · Naija News

Benin Republic coach, Gernot Rohr, has tipped Nigeria’s Super Eagles to defeat Gabon in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff next week, saying the team has what it takes to go all the way.

Gernot Rohr, who coached Nigeria between 2016 and 2021, guided the team to the 2018 World Cup and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals. He believes the current squad has enough quality to see off the Panthers of Gabon comfortably if they maintain their teamwork and focus.

Speaking to Nation Sport, Rohr said, “Aubameyang was a young player at that time (2012), and their captain, Bruno Ecuele Manga, is still there. But I think Nigeria has better players. If they play collectively like they did against Benin, I think they can beat Gabon.”

The German tactician also predicted that the Super Eagles would go on to pick the FIFA Confederation Playoff ticket after outclassing DR Congo in the final of the CAF playoff.

Naija News reports that Nigeria and Gabon will face off at the El Barid Stadium in Rabat on Thursday, November 13. The winner will meet either Cameroon or DR Congo in the playoff final for a ticket to the FIFA Confederation Playoff.

The FIFA playoff will produce two additional candidates for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Meanwhile, Gabon’s head coach, Thierry Mouyouma, is expected to announce his 25-man squad on Thursday, according to the Gabonese Press Agency (AGP). The lineup is likely to include key players such as captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mario Lemina, and Denis Bouanga.

The Panthers are set to open their training camp in Rabat on Sunday ahead of the semi-final showdown with Nigeria.