Benin Republic coach Gernot Rohr has voiced frustration over officiating decisions during his side’s 4–0 defeat to Nigeria in Uyo earlier this month, insisting that key moments went against his team, according to Soccernet. The loss effectively ended Benin’s hopes of qualifying for their first-ever World Cup.
Victor Osimhen was the standout for the Super Eagles, scoring a hat-trick, but Rohr believes two of the goals were contentious. The first came when Osimhen timed his run to meet a through ball from Samuel Chukwueze. Rohr argued the striker had left the offside trap too early, a call that might have been reversed with VAR. The second goal, a powerful header, drew protests from Benin players who claimed a foul occurred in the buildup, yet the referee allowed the goal to stand.
Rohr expressed disappointment, stating that different decisions could have changed the outcome and given his team a fairer chance. Despite finishing level on 17 points with Nigeria, Benin lost out on qualification due to Nigeria’s superior point calculation after Eritrea’s withdrawal.
The German coach, however, highlighted positives, noting that Benin had beaten Nigeria in Abidjan, handing the Super Eagles their only defeat in the campaign. Rohr sees the progress as a confidence boost for his team, even if their World Cup dream slipped away.
Meanwhile, Nigeria remains in contention for the World Cup, set to face Gabon in a playoff semifinal in Morocco on November 13. The winner will take on either Cameroon or DR Congo for a chance at the intercontinental playoffs, keeping the Super Eagles’ hopes alive.
Victor Osimhen’s performance once again underlined his importance to Nigeria, while Rohr’s comments serve as a reminder of how crucial officiating decisions can shape the fate of teams in high-stakes qualifiers.
