Gernot Rohr during a Super Eagles training session
Former Super Eagles boss Gernot Rohr has backed Nigeria to defeat Gabon in their 2026 World Cup African playoff semi-final, set to take place on November 13th in Rabat.
Rohr, now managing the Benin Republic national team, knows both teams well — having previously coached both Nigeria and Gabon — and believes that the Super Eagles’ superior individual quality gives them the edge.
“Gabon and Nigeria are two good teams,” Rohr told NationSport from Cotonou. “Some of their players are still the same ones I worked with between 2010 and 2012 when we reached the quarter-finals of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.”
However, the Franco-German tactician urged Nigeria not to underestimate Les Panthères, warning that Gabon still has experienced players who can make things difficult.
“Aubameyang was a young player at that time, and their captain, Bruno Ecuele Manga, is still there. But I think Nigeria has better players. If they play collectively like they did against Benin, I think they can beat Gabon,” he added.
Rohr’s comments carry extra weight given his familiarity with African football dynamics. The coach, who also led Nigeria to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, pointed out that team chemistry—not just talent—will be the deciding factor.
When asked about the other semi-final clash between Cameroon and DR Congo, Rohr admitted it’s a tough call but leaned slightly toward the Congolese.
“The winner of the final ticket will be difficult to predict because the match between Cameroon and DR Congo will not be easy. Perhaps DR Congo is a bit stronger because they have individually better quality players than Cameroon. Again, Cameroon are also facing some administrative problems that may affect their performance, so I think the final could be between Nigeria and DR Congo.”
With Rohr’s confidence in Nigeria’s potential and his experience across African teams, all eyes will be on the Super Eagles to see if they can live up to expectations and edge closer to a 2026 World Cup ticket.
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