Benin Republic head coach Gernot Rohr has attributed Nigeria’s commanding 3-0 victory over his facet to the affect of the Tremendous Eagles’ bench within the second half.
Talking after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifier on the Godswill Akpabio Worldwide Stadium in Uyo, Rohr highlighted the significance of Nigeria’s substitutions in sealing the win.
“The bench gained Nigeria the match,” Rohr admitted in his post-match interview, acknowledging that the Tremendous Eagles’ second-half adjustments considerably altered the course of the sport.
Nigeria, beginning with a powerful entrance line of Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze, managed to maintain their most potent attacking choices on the bench. Reigning African Participant of the Yr Victor Osimhen, Nantes winger Moses Simon, and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi all started the match as substitutes, giving head coach Augustine Eguavoen loads of firepower to name upon later.
Ademola Lookman’s opener simply earlier than the half-time whistle gave Nigeria the lead, however the introduction of Osimhen, Simon, and Dele-Bashiru within the second half shifted the momentum additional within the Tremendous Eagles’ favour. Osimhen, who got here on within the 78th minute for Boniface, scored Nigeria’s second objective shortly after getting into the pitch, bringing his worldwide tally to 22 objectives.
Rohr additionally praised Nigeria’s defensive construction, noting, “The Tremendous Eagles have been organised defensively,” whereas expressing admiration for the passionate dwelling crowd in Uyo. “The gang in Uyo was great; they pushed the crew to win. We don’t have that in Benin Republic,” the coach remarked, reflecting on the electrical ambiance that energized the Nigerian crew.
Regardless of Benin Republic’s spirited effort, Rohr acknowledged the problem of dealing with a strengthened Tremendous Eagles crew, which included the return of 5 key gamers. Moreover, he lamented the absence of a few of his personal key defenders, an element that he believes contributed to the defeat.
Wanting forward, Rohr stays optimistic about his crew’s possibilities of progressing within the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. “We are going to attempt to win in Abidjan in opposition to Libya. Our objective is to complete second within the group,” he acknowledged, underscoring Benin Republic’s willpower to bounce again of their subsequent match on Tuesday.
The end result sees Nigeria prime their group, whereas Benin Republic will search redemption of their conflict with Libya.