Former Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr has revealed that no quarter would be given by his Cheetahs when both neighboring countries meet in Abidjan.
Rohr, now the coach of Benin Republic, will face the Super Eagles of Nigeria on the 10th of June 2024 for Match Day 4 of the FIFA qualifier at the Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan. Nigeria are third in Group C with Benin Republic bottom of the Group. At his unveiling, New Super Eagles coach Finidi George boasted about his desire to take the available six points off South Africa and Benin in the double fixtures.
But Rohr, who last qualified Nigeria for Russia 2018, believes George’s stance could be likened to the common saying that ‘if wishes were horses, beggars would ride’, adding that The Cheetahs will be ready for the Super Eagles.
“Of course, we (Benin) are preparing our list for the game in June,” Rohr revealed to the media days after taking part in an exhibition match along with French greats, Alain Giresse, Zinedine Zidane, amongst others, in the Centenary celebration of Bordeaux. “It is normal for George to say he wants to win his two games, but everybody wants to win their games. I know South Africa won’t be easy for Nigeria in Uyo and they will also come to face us (unfortunately for us not in Cotonou) but in Abidjan for their second match.”
But after holding African champions, Cote d’Ivoire, to a 2-2 draw and a narrow 1-0 loss to Senegal during the international window in March, Rohr reckoned that his side would be ready for the Super Eagles.
“We did two good friendlies against Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal in March and we should be ready; we are just waiting for the end of the leagues and I’m sure in about two weeks, our definitive list for the two matches will be ready. “Though we are going to be opponents, it will be another opportunity to see my friends, because football, first and foremost, is about relationships and friendships. “There will be emotions but we are professionals, and everybody has to do his job,”.
