- Ademola Lookman scored twice, securing a 3-0 win for Nigeria over Benin
- Benin coach Gernot Rohr expressed frustration with the timing of Lookman’s first goal
- Gernot Rohr remains hopeful of Benin’s chances in the AFCON qualifiers
Gernot Rohr, head coach of Benin Republic, candidly admitted his squad's inability to contain Ademola Lookman during their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Saturday in Uyo.
The Super Eagles’ 3-0 triumph was largely driven by the dazzling performance of the Atalanta winger, who netted twice to secure a dominant victory for Nigeria.
Nigeria fielded a powerful attacking trio of Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman, and Chukwueze, with African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, in-form Nantes forward Moses Simon, and Taiwo Awoniyi waiting on the bench.
Rohr acknowledged Lookman’s skill, remarking, “Ademola Lookman was unstoppable.”
The first turning point of the game occurred right before the halftime whistle when Lookman dribbled past three Benin defenders and effortlessly slotted in Nigeria's opener in stoppage time. His second goal, coming just eight minutes before the final whistle, sealed the game.
Reflecting on the game, Rohr expressed his frustration with the timing of Lookman’s first goal.
“We conceded the first goal in added time, right before halftime. It boosted them and hurt us,” he shared in his post-match analysis.
Rohr also talked about the tactical error in the second half, explaining that Benin had opened up their defence more, which created space for Nigeria’s quick attackers, including Lookman, Chukwueze, and Boniface to manipulate.
“With the speed of their attackers, there were spaces, so they took advantage of it,” the 71-year-old coach explained.
Although the Cheetahs put up a fight, Rohr admitted that the gap in squad quality was evident. “We do not have the same means as this Nigerian team. Their players are all high-level talents playing at top clubs, while our players are not playing as much.”
Despite the setback, Rohr remains optimistic about Benin’s AFCON campaign, asserting their determination to finish at least second in the group and qualify for the tournament.
In their next qualifying fixtures, Nigeria faces Rwanda on Tuesday at 2 pm while Benin prepares to face Libya next.
"We have the materials, we have the players" - Eguavoen on Super Eagles' road to redemption
Previously, TheRadar reported that as the 2013 AFCON champions gear up to face a Gernot Rohr-led Benin side in their first qualifying fixture, all eyes are on the Super Eagles.
The team is set to begin their quest for redemption after consistent woeful performances, with just four days left before the encounter.
Nigeria's interim head coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has made it clear that while the Super Eagles will show respect to their opponents, they will fiercely defend their home ground.
