Benin Republic coach Gernot Rohr is optimistic that the cheetahs will secure a victory over the Super Eagles of Nigeria despite missing key players in his team.
The Cheetars will be without the defensive partnership of Cedric Hountondji and Olivier Verdon.
Both players have been ruled out of the clash against the Super Eagles tonight as the Cheetars look to be a step closer to qualifying for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
Gernot Rohr admits that repeating the famous victory over the Super Eagles in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in June would be difficult but he believes in his team.
“Repeating the feat of June is going to be complicated, because Nigeria is now at full strength, but we believe in ourselves..”
“While we would have preferred to have Cedric and Olivier with us, we are prepared to move forward without them,” he told Foot Africain.
Benin Republic defeated Nigeria 2-1 in a famous victory in June at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny – venue of tonight’s game.
The Cheetars currently occupy the second spot in Group D with 6 points after 4 matches while the Super Eagles are top of the group with 10 points.
A draw against the Cheetars will see the Super Eagles qualify for next year’s competition in Morocco.
