Benin Republic’s coach, Gernot Rohr, has expressed his disappointment over critical refereeing errors that marred his team’s 4-0 loss to Nigeria in Uyo earlier this month, according to Soccernet.ng.
This heavy defeat at the hands of the Super Eagles dashed Benin’s hopes of securing their inaugural World Cup appearance.
On October 14, Victor Osimhen delivered a stunning hat-trick for Nigeria, with two of his goals sparking debate due to contentious officiating decisions.
Nigeria’s dominant victory paved the way for South Africa to clinch the group’s automatic World Cup berth, leaving Rohr’s squad reflecting on what could have been.
Osimhen’s opening goal came from a perfectly timed run, connecting with a precise through ball from Samuel Chukwueze before calmly slotting past the Benin goalkeeper.
However, Rohr contends that the Galatasaray striker was offside when receiving the pass, a call that might have been overturned had VAR technology been available.
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The second goal, netted just before the 60th minute, saw Osimhen outjump his defender to powerfully head the ball into the net from close range.
Benin’s players vehemently argued that Osimhen had fouled the defender during the buildup, but the referee dismissed their protests, allowing the goal to stand despite the defender remaining on the ground for several minutes afterward.
“Our main disappointment lies with the first two goals conceded against Nigeria in that crucial match. In my view, these incidents warranted different calls, which could have brought us fairer outcomes,” Rohr told CAFonline.
Benin’s World Cup Aspirations Dashed as Rohr Reflects on Qualifiers
Despite finishing the qualifiers with the same 17 points as Nigeria, Rohr’s team was edged out due to the Super Eagles’ superior weighted points following Eritrea’s withdrawal from the group.
“Ending the qualifiers with 17 points, equal to Nigeria, is a significant morale booster,” the German coach remarked.
“We were the only team to defeat Nigeria during the campaign, achieving that victory in Abidjan, while they remained unbeaten in all other fixtures.”
Though it offered little consolation, Benin made remarkable progress under Rohr’s guidance, highlighted by their memorable 2-1 triumph over Nigeria in Abidjan-the Super Eagles’ sole loss in the qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Nigeria, although missing out on direct qualification, remain contenders for a World Cup spot.
The Super Eagles are set to face Gabon in Morocco on November 13 in a crucial playoff semifinal. The victor will then challenge either Cameroon or DR Congo for Africa’s final chance to reach the intercontinental playoffs, where two remaining World Cup berths will be decided.
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