As Nigeria prepare for a must-win World Cup qualifying encounter against Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday, Cheetahs coach Gernot Rohr has called for calm, insisting that the fixture is “a football match, not a war.”
Benin need only a draw to confirm their place in next year’s World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, while the Super Eagles must secure victory by a margin of at least two goals to stay in contention.
Addressing the press ahead of the game, Rohr, who previously managed Nigeria, stressed sportsmanship and mutual respect. “It’s not a war, it’s a football game. Whatever will be the result, we will leave here and we will stay friends,” he said.
Group C remains tight, with Benin leading on 17 points, South Africa second with 15, and Nigeria third with 14 heading into Tuesday’s decisive fixtures.